Verene Lozaw Harvey

For This Teacher, Catholic faith was her foundation. Mrs. Harvey/Nana “sees everyone through the eyes of faith”

Verene Lozaw Harvey passed away peacefully on October 4, 2022, at home in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, ending 87 years of a life well lived. 

Born in Greensburg, Verene grew up living a spiritual life, attending St. Benedict’s Catholic School (Aquinas Academy). Verene graduated from Greensburg High School where her fond memories included being crowned May Queen, Academic Honors, and a lifelong friendship with classmates. 

She continued her education at Slippery Rock State College as a health and physical education teacher where she placed high academically and athletically. While at Slippery Rock, Verene met the love of her life, Joseph A. Harvey, with whom she shared 65 marvelous years. They made an exceptional team, meeting as a cheerleader and football player at Slippery Rock. With love they filled the years with hard work, athletics, and family, always grateful for their numerous blessings. Their values of devotions to family, friends, students, and service to their community remain an inspiration to all who knew them. Mrs. Harvey went on to earn a second degree and double major in English.

Verene had a spectacular career in education, head of her department at Mt. Pleasant Senior High School, where she was a pioneer in female athletics. Her love for students created many happy memories for all, including, “Gymnastics Shows” which packed filled gymnasiums, cheerleading sponsor, girls’ volleyball and basketball coach, and endless hours of volunteering. In Harrisburg, she was honored as a top physical education teacher in PA where she spoke throughout the state.  Her love for athletics and sports reigned throughout her lifetime, sharing her expertise always with her family and friends.  Being generous was something that came naturally to her. Verene taught etiquette to children and adults during her life, it was a passion of hers.

As a devoted Catholic, Verene was a member of and volunteered at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg and St. Paul Parish, Greensburg. She also volunteered at St. Anne Home, as well as numerous personal care homes where she shared her angelic voice. Verene loved sharing her spirituality as she would often sing for funerals as a member of the funeral choir. She had a voice like an angel since she was a very young girl.  She was a member of the St. Paul Parish Rosary Altar Society and the Legion of Mary. Lastly, Verene always loved gardening and was a member of the Greensburg Garden Club. Her gardens were toured several times in her first home.

Her most important role was Mom to her children. She had a positive effect on so many lives. Her family, husband, children, and grandchildren were top on her list and her main joy. 

Verene is survived by a devoted family, her husband Joseph; a loving mother of three children, Elyse Wright and husband Kenneth, of Sewickley, JoAnne Finoli and husband Richard, of Greensburg, and Joseph Harvey and wife Susan, of Sewickley; and devoted grandmother to Kris and Kevin Wright, Faith and Nicholas Finoli, and Morgan Harvey.  She was the sister to the late Elizabeth Regan (the late Charles), Thomas Lozaw (the late Kathleen), Jerome Lozaw (Carmella), and the late Pat Lozaw; and an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Verene's kind and loving heart, her spirit, her zest for life, and her gentle nature touched all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 PM Friday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg.  Prayers will begin at 9 AM Saturday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 9:30 AM in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg.  Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, 300 N. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601, or to St. Paul Parish, 820 Carbon Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601.  The St. Paul Rosary Altar Society and the Legion of Mary will pray the rosary at 3:30 PM Friday in the funeral home.  www.bachafh.com

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