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Kathleen Michelle Shaner

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 26, 2026

Kathleen Michelle Shaner, 71, of Clarington, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on Dec. 5, 1954, in New Kensington, to Eleanor (Hamorsky) Hajduk. Kathie grew up in Springdale and was a graduate of Springdale High School, where she made many lifelong friends. She was an avid animal and nature lover who enjoyed spending time outdoors. She especially loved spending time around the campfire with family and friends and didn't hesitate to tell you what was appropriate kindling to be burned. Kathie began visiting Cook Forest State Park as a teenager with friends and instilled her love of camping in her children, who continue this tradition today. Kathie had dreamed of one day retiring in the woods along with her husband, Paul, and in 2023, Paul built their dream home in nearby Clarington.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Paul; son, Zach Brown, of Chicago, IL; daughter, Brittany (Scott) Heichel, of Curwensville, PA; stepsons, Paul (Jennifer) Shaner, of Buena Vista, PA, and Matt Shaner (Megan Whitesel), of White Oak, PA; stepdaughter, Sara (Brandon) Horel, of Hawk Point, MO; and her mother, Eleanor Hajduk. She was also survived by two loving grandchildren, Liam Shaner and Cooper Heichel. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Raymond Hajduk, of Springdale, PA. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, located at the Springdale VFW, and/or a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, located at the Elizabeth Boro Firehall Club 139. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation, in Kathie's honor. Arrangements by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published February 26, 2026.

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