Theodora Petruska
May 20, 1928 - October 31, 2025
Visitation: Friends and family received November 9, 2025 From 1 PM until 4 PM at Devlin funeral home, 806 Perry Highway.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10 AM at Saint Teresa of Avila Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.
Theodora Petruska (97) of Pittsburgh PA, North Hills, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025.
Beloved wife of the late John Petruska, loving mother of children Deborah Ann Wheeland (Richard), Jonathan Michael Petruska, Paula Jean Petruska Needham (Donald Kosy).
Proud grandmother of Christopher Wheeland (Andrea), Jonathan Wheeland (Brieanna), and Theodore Wheeland, Julianna Kolso (Orkun), and Victoria “Veeka” Needham (Justin McCullough).
And of great grandchildren Asa Daniel, Nadia Joy, Olivia Alice, and Henry Jonathan.
Daughter of the late Elias Fedyna and Anna Danylo, the late siblings Anthony Fedyna, Julia Kutcher, Stella Soroczak Rychkun, Mildred Altenhof, and Mary Ann Lozer.
Theodora loved raising her children and was actively involved in all their activities. She delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and found special joy in being with them .
John was a highly decorated WWII veteran who was imprisoned as a POW and who developed PTSD. She devoted herself to him and to all aspects of his VA care.
Theodora relished traveling. She was eager to meet new people and experience new cultures.
She and her husband of 68 years traveled all over the United States and abroad on family vacations and with her husband’s US Army Third Infantry Reunion group. Special trips included a visit to Ukraine in 1994 with her daughter and brother to see Theodora’s parents’ village and to support the newly opened churches there.
A trip to Italy and several trips to France for liberation ceremonies were highlights of their lives. Theodora’s husband and fellow soldiers were honored for liberating those countries. Parades, luncheons, banquets and ceremonies hosted by the citizens and mayors of these places were especially healing to both of them.
Theodora’s Ukrainian heritage was especially important to her. She was proud of it and faithfully always carried on the tradition of the Ukrainian Christmas Eve holy supper and Ukrainian Easter celebration.
A valedictorian of her graduating class at Olivier High School, Theodora valued education and lifelong learning. A dedicated crossword puzzle solver, she followed politics and made several trips to listen to and see notable local and national politicians.
She was an avid swimmer. She enjoyed fellowship with her water aerobics friends at the Club Julian Fitness Center. Theodora’s faith was strong and a devoted prayer warrior for others.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Teresa of Avila Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church for the Ukrainian fund, or Animal Friends of Allegheny County.
Friends and family received Sunday 9 November from 1 PM until 4 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway. Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10 November at 10 AM at Saint Teresa of Avila Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.
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Dear Deb, Paula and Jonathan, my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Mother. Aunt Dora was a treasure. She and I enjoyed chatting when we were meeting with family and friends.
May you rest where the just repose and your memory be eternal.
Paula,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom. I understand the hole left in your heart. Praying for God to give you and your family peace that surpasses all understanding. Love you friend.
Dear Aunt Teddy,
You were such a special lady to me. Whenever we were together, you brought joy and laughter with your bright, heartwarming smile. I admired that you were so stylish along with your vivacious personality. What an inspiration you were to me. You will forever be in my heart.
Paula, Jon and Deb,
I understand the depth of your loss. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. She will be greatly missed.
Wishing you a peaceful rest for a very busy life with family & friends, countless activities and travel. Miss greatly but you can enjoy heavenly endeavors with your Sisters: Julia, Mildred, Stella, and Mary Ann and Brother Anthony….Love You long time💖💝💖