Obituaries

Mildred 'Mitzi' Arbutina of FREEDOM
06/06/1924 - 4/27/2010


Mildred "Mitzi" Arbutina, 85, of Freedom, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at Kindred Hospital at Heritage Valley, Beaver, following a brief illness. Born June 6, 1924, in Freedom, she was a daughter of the late Yovan and Mary Arbutina and had been a resident of Freedom all of her life. Mitzi was a member of the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, Aliquippa, and had retired after over 30 years as an executive secretary with the Joseph Horne Co. She was also a proud volunteer for the Vicary Mansion, Freedom. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a brother, Walter J. Arbutina, in 2009. She will be sadly missed by her loving family including her sister-in-law, Gwen Arbutina, Springfield, PA; the Arbutina family of Mirko and Joy Arbutina, Brighton Township; their children and their families, Christine and Mark Smith, Tod and Tawnya Arbutina, Brad and Stefani Arbutina, and many friends, lifelong neighbors, and former coworkers. Friends will be received Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a service will be conducted Saturday at 10 a.m. by the Rev. Father Stevan Stepanov, followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, Freedom. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. A Pomen (blessing service) will be held in the funeral home Friday at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Vicary Mansion, 1235 Third Ave., Freedom, PA 15042.

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Name: Christopher Roberts
Relation: like a grandson
Where can I begin? Mitzi meant a lot to me as a young boy. Mitzi lived directly across the street from me for the first several years of my life. As my father's parents had either passed away before my birth or were very sick when I was little and I only had one set of grandparents, Mitzi basically took me in from the beginning and treated me like I was her grandson. Both Mitzi and Mary doted on me in almost every way you can imagine. I can remember Mitzi getting in her Mustang and heading down right by the Vicary House to catch the bus to Pittsburgh to work at Horne's. I can remember Mitzi's perfect flower garden. I seriously doubt I'll ever have peanut butter cookies as good as hers and Mary's. Mitzi was always in a good mood it seemed and although she was extremely sweet, she could also be tough as nails when needed. I really think had it not been for her, my early childhood would not have been as enjoyable as it was. Even when my family moved away in 1986, we still kept in contact and receiving a Christmas present from Mitzi (that would usually be something wayyyy more expensive than would I would normally get and was wrapped flawlessly) and a letter written in her very distinctive handwriting were real treats. As Mitzi aged physically, her lively personality never diminished a single bit. The end of 5th Avenue in Freedom and kindness everywhere has experienced a irreplaceable loss.


Name: Sherri Nixon
Relation: Long time friend
Mitzi was a special friend to my husband, Gary, and to me. I have so many good memories of Mitzi working for Gary at Horne's. Her sense of humor was a delight, and her loyalty and friendship were treasured by both of us. Although I didn't get to see her as much as I would like since we moved from Pittsburgh years ago, she never missed sending a card for my birthday or for Christmas. I always loved hearing from her, getting update on her life. I will miss her a great deal. My thoughts are with all the family that she loved so much. We have all lost a wonderful person. Sincerely, Sherri Nixon


Name: Karen Ivancik
Relation: Long Ago Acquaintance
I first met Mitzi on a Beaver Valley bus going to Pittsburgh. I got on in Ambridge. I was just out of high school and quite nervous about traveling to the big city to go to Duff's Business School. I sat down with her the first time and felt such a comfort. My anxiety diminished every time she was there in her seat by the window. We shared conversations about our lives and I only wished I could have been on the same bus going home. I shamefully never got in touch with her over the years to tell her how inspirational she was for me and how much she touched my life. I always remembered her name and when I saw she had passed, I felt a real sadness. She was one classy and beautiful lady and I will always remember her warmth and charm. To her family, I offer my condolences.


Name: Don Beatty
Relation: post-gazette carrier
most friendly customer i ever encountered.very generous and complimentary.every person should be so kind. will be missed by a lot of people.


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