Vilma Gaudenti

Vilma B Gaudenti, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2024 in Mechanicsburg PA. She was born in Pittsburgh, the fourth of five children born to Nicola and Natalia Conte, and resided there for 87 years. She relocated to Central PA where she enjoyed 10 years with her daughter Victoria G Chieppa (Rocco), grandchildren Jennifer C Metz (Adam), Damian J Chieppa (Kristin), Rachel C Solomon (Dustyn) and seven great grandchildren. 

Vilma graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1944 and worked as a secretary to the dean of the Western Pennsylvania Harological Watchmaking School where she met Fred, who had returned from WW2 and would become her husband in 1947. Two years later, they welcomed their first and only child, as Fred died just three years afterwards. Vilma dedicated herself to raising her baby girl, and later investing in the lives of her grandchildren and ultimately great grandchildren, being the first to get down on the floor with them to play games. Countless family friends have known and loved her as “ Gram” for decades.

Vilma worked as a bookkeeper all of her adult life, first at Season-All Windows and Doors and later at the AG Mauro Company where she retired at age 70. She loved going to movies, opera and musical theater, writing poetry, harmonizing popular songs, crocheting dish cloths, knitting slippers, baking birthday cakes for coworkers and especially packaging cartons of her famous Italian cookies to give as gifts. Nothing made her happier than giving to others. She kept active during retirement with line dancing and Tai Chi exercise classes. Vilma was a devout Catholic, always enriched by church holidays and the celebration of the Mass. She found great comfort in church traditions and exhibited a strong faith in God who had always been there for her.  

Vilma loved celebrations, especially birthdays and holidays with special foods and gifts. Family traditions were cherished and being around the dining room table for hours was expected. She knew the value of family vacations, time away from other distractions to just be present with loved ones. Destinations were often simple, often visiting relatives, but priceless memories were shared. Her favorite family trips were to Disney World where she chose to celebrate her retirement and another to Italy, touring with her brother.

Vilma was truly selfless, loving to give to others with no concern for herself. She was careful with spending and often did without so she could be more generous. Her mailbox was filled with charitable organization receipts for her donations. She thought nothing of buying a special gift for someone else, but found it hard to accept any gifts for herself. She was always looking for ways to bless others with her resources, talents, and most sacrificially with her time. 

Her last years were spent at Harmony of West Shore’s Independent Living where she enjoyed a community of seniors and a variety of activities. Her favorites were bingo games, daily movies, musical concerts and family Happy Hours. She shared a dinner table with lovely ladies who truly cared for her. Although she no longer drove a car, she loved the independence of walking to the on-site beauty salon and enjoying the outside walking path. She especially loved getting out for Sunday family dinners with her loved ones. She lived fully with a healthy body and impressive mobility until just weeks before her death. She is well deserving of her eternal reward with the Lord who has been her lifelong foundation.

Friends and family will be received from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Tuesday at Charles W Trenz Funeral Home, 11110 Frankstown Rd, Penn Hills. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, St Susanna’s Church on Wednesday at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Mt Carmel Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in Vilma’s honor may be made to her favorite charity, Seraphic Mass Association, 5217 Butler St Suite 100, Pittsburgh PA15201 or mymassrequest.org.

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