Patricia L. ‘Pat’ Lhota, 91, formerly of Pittsburgh and most recently of Clearfield, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 at the Colonial Courtyard, Clearfield. She was born Sept. 30, 1921 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Elsie (Shultz) McAlpin.
Mrs. Lhota was employed as a secretary by The Pittsburgh Steel Company until the beginning of World War II when she joined the Women’s Army Corps. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, she worked as a secretary for Oscar Matous and Sons, Opticians, on the North Side of Pittsburgh.
She was an animal lover throughout her life. She worked as a volunteer at the Pittsburgh Zoo for many years.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in the Brighton Heights section of Pittsburgh, where she was actively involved with numerous ministries of the church. Since moving to Clearfield, she has been affiliated with the St. John Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her son, John R. (Rick) Lhota and his wife, Joy Butler Lhota of Clearfield; two grandchildren, Rachel Elizabeth Lhota of West Chester and John William Lhota of Pittsburgh; a brother-in-law, Charles G. Lhota and his wife, Elsie of Cranberry; a niece, Patricia Otto and her husband, Gary of Evans City; and a nephew, Charles A. Lhota, and his wife, Karen of San Antonio, TX.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Lhota, a decorated World War II veteran, who died May 29, 1995, whom she wed in 1947 in Pittsburgh.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at the St. John Lutheran Church, Clearfield, with Pastor Robert J. Way officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Clearfield County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 275 21st St., Clearfield or to St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 1545, Clearfield.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
