Gerda S. Bretton

BRETTON: Gerda S. Bretton, of Scott Township, left this world peacefully in her 90th year on March 15, 2026, surrounded by her family. Gerda was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, the devoted daughter of Anna (d. 1977) and Irving Stein (d. 1971) and the adored little sister of Morton (d. 2002) and Harry (d. 2006) (Judy). Gerda began life as a figure skater and tennis player. She received her Jewish education at Congregation Beth Shalom and graduated high school at Taylor Allderdice. Gerda went to the local outdoor rinks to practice her figures. She and her parents put stars in the window and awaited Morty’s and Harry’s return from the war. Then an oft-reported deal with dad was struck, one year at Ohio State followed by degree completion at Pitt. Gerda commuted to school earning a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate in elementary education. Later would follow a master’s with a reading teacher specialization from the University of Slippery Rock and a decades-long career in the New Castle, Reynolds and Neshannock Township public schools. At Pitt, Gerda met Abe L. Bretton (d. 2023) of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. She and Abe married in 1957 and settled in New Castle. They had five children and fostered lifelong relationships with friends, colleagues and extended family. In time, they celebrated 66 years of marriage. In 2003, Gerda and Abe moved to Cherry Hill in Nevillewood, and since 2024 Gerda resided at Providence Point. As a working mom, Gerda made a home and filled it with beauty and love. She took materials at hand and made them look good. Trips to Pittsburgh to see Harry and Judy and their children were kept up. On holidays, Gerda regaled her family with delicious traditional fare and always set a place for the playful Mort. Her movements through the demands of work and family were not frenetic but measured and sure. And because her love radiated outward, the children’s friends knew the glow of her welcome. In Lawrence County, Gerda earned a reputation as an amateur tennis champion. Her employment at Neshannock included experience as girls varsity tennis coach. Gerda is survived by five children, Pam Pearlman (Seth) of Pittsburgh, Rachel Pavilack (Stuart) of Wheeling, West Virginia, Jeff Bretton of Pittsburgh, Brian Bretton of Cleveland, Ohio, and Philip Bretton (Melissa) of Lincolnshire, Illinois; grandchildren, Isaac Pearlman (Laura Stein), Julian Pearlman (Ana Cordera), Jacob Paviliack, Eli Pavilack, Nathan Bretton and Anna Bretton; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Gabriel Pearlman. A graveside service is to be held on Tuesday the 17th of March at 12 p.m. at the Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, 1900 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Arrangements entrusted to William Slater II Funeral Service, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. slaterfuneral.com PJC