Rebecca Darlene Gaiser, 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Parker Personal Care Home after a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Rebecca was born October 24, 1943, in Karns City, PA, the daughter of H. Donald and Dorothy Anderson Gaiser.
She attended Karns City High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in the chorus and school musicals. Acting on her passion for music and singing, she went on to major in music education at Indiana University of PA, performing in many musicals, such as Bloody Mary in “South Pacific.” She then earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling and traveled the world with the military teaching music. Rebecca held numerous jobs throughout the years, including roles as guidance counselor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, instructor at a chef's school in NYC, manager of the AIDS Ride and administrator at Harmon Curran law offices, both in Washington, DC. She loved traveling and made homes in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, Boston, MA, Washington, DC, and Arlington, VA.
Rebecca was the life of the party everywhere she went and loved vacationing with family and friends in Hollywood Beach, FL, Cabo San Lucas, MX, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. When not working, she could be found reading, gardening, cooking, and singing in various choral groups. She had a wonderful, wicked sense of humor and could always be counted on to liven up holiday gatherings with her adoring family, where she was affectionately known as Auntie Beck, Aunt Becky, or Aunt Rebecca.
She is survived by her sister, Doris Whitehead of East Brady, PA and Stuart, FL; her brothers Donald Gaiser of Stuart, FL, and Dennis Gaiser (Elaine) of Petrolia, PA; nephews Rick Whitehead of Stuart, FL, and Chad (Amy) Gaiser of Douglassville, PA; nieces Robin Whitehead Lee of Nashville, TN, and Gwen (Eric Zack) Gaiser of Pittsburgh, PA; great nephews Jackson Wessel and Evan Wessel of Nashville, TN; great nieces Lindsey (George) Blackwell of Port St. Lucie, FL, Logan Gaiser and Keller Gaiser, of Douglassville, PA; and numerous cousins and family. She also had many cherished friends who will miss her dearly. Rebecca showed us how to live a life full of love and inclusion, bringing friends and family closer together.
She was preceded in death by her parents, H. Donald and Dorothy Gaiser; a brother-in-law, Jack Whitehead; a sister-in-law, Rosemarie Gaiser; and a nephew, Ronald Whitehead.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Parker Personal Care Home and all those who cared for her in the late stages of her life, including her cousin, Kim Gaiser. A special thank you to Rebecca’s dear friend, Celeste Beaupre, of Lewes, DE, for her many years of support.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City.
The family is planning a celebration of life service to be announced later this year.
Donations may be made in Rebecca’s honor may be made to to Amedisys Inc., Attn: Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.