Gerda S. Bretton

Gerda S. Bretton, of Scott Township, passed away peacefully in her ninetieth year on March 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 17, 1935, in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, Gerda was the devoted daughter of Anna Stein, who died in 1977, and Irving Stein, who died in 1971. She was the beloved younger sister of Morton Stein, who passed in 2002, and Harry Stein, who died in 2006, and his wife Judy.

A graceful athlete from a young age, Gerda excelled as a figure skater and tennis player. She received her Jewish education at Beth Shalom Congregation and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. While her brothers served in the war, she and her parents kept stars in the window and awaited their safe return. Following a promise made to her father, she spent one year at Ohio State before completing her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, commuting to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in elementary education. She later received a master’s degree with a specialization in reading from Slippery Rock University and enjoyed a long career teaching in the New Castle, Reynolds, and Neshannock Township public schools.

At Pitt, Gerda met Abe L. Bretton of Ellwood City, who passed in 2023. They married in 1957, settled in New Castle, and raised five children while nurturing lifelong friendships with colleagues and extended family. They shared 66 years of marriage. In 2003, Gerda and Abe moved to Cherry Hill in Nevillewood, and since 2024 she had resided at Providence Point.

A loving and capable working mother, Gerda created a warm and beautiful home. She maintained close ties with her brother Harry, Judy, and their children through regular visits to Pittsburgh. On holidays she prepared traditional meals for her family and always set a place for her playful brother Mort. Her steady presence and outward love made her home a welcoming place for her children’s friends as well. In Lawrence County, Gerda became known as an amateur tennis champion and served as the girls’ varsity tennis coach at Neshannock.

She is survived by her five children, Pam Pearlman (Seth) of Pittsburgh, Rachel Pavilack (Stuart) of Wheeling, West Virginia, Jeff Bretton of Pittsburgh, Brian Bretton of Cleveland, Ohio, and Philip Bretton (Melissa) of Lincolnshire, Illinois; her grandchildren, Isaac Pearlman (Laura Stein), Julian Pearlman (Ana Cordera), Jacob Pavilack, Eli Pavilack, Nathan Bretton, and Anna Bretton; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Gabriel Pearlman.