January 01, 1970
Mirra Fantin Gavran, age 50, of McCandless, died suddenly on Easter Sunday, April 1, to be with her Lord and Savior.
Mirra grew up in Regent Square and Whitehall. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and had an illustrious career as a trainer with FedEx, where she met Richard Gavran, the love of her life and devoted husband of 21 years. She and Rich laid down roots in McCandless to raise their beautiful family there.
An avid beach goer, shopper, photographer, and pool-activities coordinator, Mirra’s real abiding passions were her Christian walk, her family, and her friends. Mirra sought to instill in her children a zest for life, celebration, and music, as well as a commitment to relationships, duty, and work ethic. She knew the power of a kind word, a compliment, and a pepperoni roll, and was the driving force behind many family rituals.
Mirra is survived and beloved by many: her husband Richard Gavran and their children Benjamin, age 12, and Grace, age 7; her parents Luciano and Irene Fantin; her sister Louise Fantin Hahn and her husband William Hahn and their children Christopher, Nicole, and Natalie Hahn; her brother Michael Fantin and his wife Janine Nicolette and their children Emily and Isabel Nicolette-Fantin; her brother John Fantin and his partner Michael Short; her brother-in-law Russell Gavran and his wife Leslie Gavran; her brother-in-law Ronald Gavran and his wife Bonita Gavran and their children Major Grant Gavran and Courtney Balson, and her husband Trey Balson; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitors will be received on Friday, April 6, from 1 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15229.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 7, at 10:30 at Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090. Everyone should meet at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any checks be made and sent to: The Mirra Gavran Memorial Fund, c/o Lawlor and Lawlor, 979 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. These monies will be used for the care and education of Mirra and Rich’s children.
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Rich so sorry to see this in the paper today. Mirra was such a wonderful person and happy. I still remember her standing up when we all were introducing ourselves the first day at RPS(Roadway) Inside sales. Making sure we all knew how to pronounce her name correctly. Explaining to all
that it was Mita . Great sense of humor. I’m sure she was a great Mother and I know she worked as hard at the church as she did in everything in Life. Will be thinking of you and your family with prayers and thoughts in the next few days. I’m sure she’s in heaven and will be watching over all of you .
Again so sorry Rich.
George
Dear Rich, Ben and Grace — Our deepest sympathies to you. Our hearts broke when we heard the news about Mirra, one of the finest people we have known. We are praying for you and all of your family.
I am terribly sorry to hear of Mirra’s passing… she was a very sweet person and although I didn’t see her very often, it was ALWAYS a true pleasure to chat and laugh out loud with her. She will be missed by so many. She was truly loved.
My sincere condolences to Rich and family. Mirra was my trainer at FedEx and a wonderful person. You will all be in my thoughts.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mirra was my FedEx trainer and was the most vibrant fun person I have ever met. Rich, my heart breaks for you and your family. Many many prayers for all of you.
Rich, Benjamin & Grace:
My deepest sympathies, thoughts & prayers on the tragic loss of the love of your life. I know I can’t make your pain go away; just know you are surrounded by much love & wishing I could ease your pain. So many of us thinking of your family with love and wanting to help out in any way possible.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs with constant paryers for Mirra, you and your loving family. God Bless you always, Cindy Marshall & Family
Rich no words can express the hurt in my heart when I heard about the passing of your lovely wife Mirra.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time.