Obituary

Mary LaVerne Hnat, 95, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, formerly of Beaver, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, July 17, 2026, at McGregor Living.

Born on February 15, 1931, in Greensburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond V. and Mary LaVerne (Dorsey) O’Connell.

LaVerne spent her life as a homemaker and was a devoted member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.  She was a past member of the Junior Women’s and Women’s Club of Beaver and enjoyed volunteering her time with many other organizations, including Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.  In her free time, LaVerne could be found gardening, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.

In addition to her parents, LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Hnat on December 26, 2002; a sister, Anne R. Perry; and a son-in-law, Peter Knittel.

LaVerne is survived by her loving and devoted children, Michael J. (Orysia Tylko) Hnat, Karen H. Knittel, Susan J. Hnat, Mark (Meizi Goa) Hnat, Theodore J. Hnat, and Laura (Kit Lucey) Hnat; her two loving grandsons, Matthew (Nicolina Nolletti) Knittel and Stephen Knittel; as well as extended family members and friends.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Saints Peter and Paul Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009 on Wednesday, July  22 at 10:00AM with Fr. Howard Campbell as celebrant.

Interment will be in Beaver Cemetery.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, is honored to provide care and guidance to Laverne’s family during this time.