Gertrude "Tootie" Bellan Hale

Gertrude “Tootie” Hale, Beloved mother and the heart of our family passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2024. She went to join her beloved husband, Ted and dear daughter, Mary Catherine. She was a loving mother to her children, Karen Schreiber (Rick), Nancy Schmidt (Bob), Ted Hale (Jeanne) and Rick Hale (Maria); loving grandmother of eight and GiGi of ten. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Bellan, as well as her sister, Janet Strimlan and brother, Ronald Bellan. Tootie started as a clerk for Snowden Township, now South Park, in 1958 and rose to the position of township Manager, retiring in 1996 after 38 years of service. While raising five children she went to school to become a court reporter, but decided to stay with the township so she could be close to her children. She was very devoted to St. Joan of Arc and was Chairperson (“Festival Queen”) of the church festival which was acclaimed to be the best in the South Hills, for ten years, raising more than a million dollars, benefitting the school and church. She was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan, and had the pleasure of not only being in the locker room after the Stanley Cup victory, but also drank from the Cup. Her and Ted enjoyed travelling, with their favorite spots being Vegas and Aruba. In her spare time, she also enjoyed playing tennis, painting and really loved the casino!! The family would like to pay special thanks for the tender love and care shown to her by her caregivers, Danielle Strimlan, LaShaun Smith and Patty Mosso. She was an amazing friend to many and will be forever missed and treasured.  Family and friends  may visit Friday, 2-8 pm at the David J. Henney Funeral Home, 6364 Library Road (RT 88), South Park, PA 15129. Funeral mass will be officiated by Father Phillip Pribonic, at St. Joan of Arc Church on Saturday at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Parish or Library Volunteer Fire Company.  www.davidhenneyfuneralhome.com

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