Laura Jean Spivak
SPIVAK: Laura Jean Spivak, 71, of McMurray, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. She was born on Feb. 13, 1955, to the late Francis P. and Beverly J. (Kusner) Herock and was raised in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Laura was the beloved wife of David Saul Spivak for 40 years; mother of Emily Spivak (Adam) and stepmother of Ira Spivak (Alexandria); cherished Grandmum of Ezra and Ari; half-sister of Patricia Laverne (Michael); and aunt of Christopher Davies. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Leslie Herock (Ron). Laura will be remembered for her compassionate heart, creative spirit, genuine kindness and deep appreciation for the beauty found in people, faith and community. Guided by her progressive values, Laura was a passionate advocate for peace and social justice. She believed deeply in inclusion, compassion and dignity for all. Her dedication to these principles was recognized with the Justice Achievement Award from the Thomas Merton Center and a community award honoring her efforts to collect donations for Toys for Tots. A lifelong advocate for underserved communities, Laura had a particular passion for helping children through “Super Kids,” a weekly program she led for many years. She also spoke openly about mental health, encouraging greater understanding and acceptance. A cherished member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, Laura also held a special appreciation for the Jewish faith while embracing the richness of diverse religious and spiritual traditions. Her commitment to these values was reflected in her support of the South Hills Interfaith Movement and the Interfaith Holocaust Committee, whose missions she championed through volunteerism and in-kind donations. Helping others was one of Laura’s greatest joys. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of underserved people and animals, both nationally and internationally. In recognition of her dedication to helping others, Laura was named a first-place finalist for Citizen of the Year in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Her generosity was rooted in a simple but powerful belief: even the smallest act of kindness could make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Laura had a lifelong love of animals, especially the cats who brought her joy over the years, including Lily, Murray, Callay, Sasha and Sophie. Her compassion extended to all living beings, and she proudly instilled in her daughter, Emily, the values of empathy, political advocacy and standing up for those who are vulnerable or marginalized people and animals alike. A graduate of the Pittsburgh School of Floral Design and the Clarissa School of Fashion Design, Laura was a gifted floral designer and seamstress who expressed her creativity through everything she touched. Whether arranging flowers or creating works of art with needle and thread, she brought artistry, care and meticulous attention to detail to her work. Her talents were more than creative pursuits; they were expressions of her generous spirit and her desire to bring beauty and joy into the lives of others. Above all, Laura lived a life guided by compassion, creativity and a genuine desire to make the world a kinder, more welcoming place. Her legacy lives on in the beauty she created the lives she touched, and the values of kindness, compassion and generosity she shared with others. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and remembered for the kindness she so freely shared with the world. All are welcome on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 12 p.m. at William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Township. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to return to the funeral home for a catered luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane World Action Fund at humaneaction.org/1239953. PJC
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