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Age 87, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021, after living a very full life. He was originally from Squirrel Hill and later moved to Mt. Lebanon. He was adored by his daughter, Beth Foster and his grandson, Carlos Wilhelm, and his poodle, Murphy Brown. He is also survived by his stepson, Jack Michel, many cousins, nieces and nephews, his sister-in-law and his dear friends, Jodi and Liz. He lost his beloved older brother, Jerry Foster, a well-respected physician, earlier this year. As a teen, Irwin attended Taylor Alderdice where he was in the marching band, played baseball and loved attending the symphony. Irwin started his adult life at Allegheny College and then served in the Army in Japan during the Korean War. He loved Japan, the first place he ever traveled overseas. Upon his return, he married Carol Gottlieb, a talented artist. They adopted their daughter, Beth, and provided her with a wonderful childhood. He rose through the ranks of retail management, becoming a district manager for a men’s clothing company. His partner later in life was Nancy Michel, also an artist, and he helped to raise her son, Jack. They enjoyed spending their time at the dinner theatre where Nancy lent her creative talents, as well enjoying other theatre productions. Irwin was adventurous. He raced horses, skied, sailed, rappelled, camped, flew small airplanes and served as a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, and traveled. He also served in local politics and helped interview and escort students across the world for a cultural exchange program. Like his brother, Irwin was very bright and a lifelong learner. He enjoyed reading and learning about history and art. His humor was quirky, and his personality was big. He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved to proudly tell anyone within earshot, “Myron Cope was my cousin”. His teenage grandson, Carlos, was the joy of his life. He affectionately referred to him as his “boychik”. They both enjoyed each other’s senses of humor and Carlos was fortunate to have a deeply loving relationship with his Zayde who lived with him for the last five years. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. A celebration of his life will take place at his daughter’s home at noon after a military funeral at the shelter at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017 on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10:30 am.

Esther Marie Jones was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 27,1926.  She was the youngest daughter of the late Price M. and Hattie B. (Washington) Jones.  She was a courageous woman of strong faith who was a dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. Esther will be remembered as very fun loving, adventuresome and independent woman who successfully overcame many challenges during her lifetime Esther was Baptized at The Bethesda Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Rev Clarence  Allen on  the 13^th day of March 1927.  At the young age of 2, Esther was sent to Virginia with her sisters Victoria and Anna Mae to live with their Aunt Lilly and Uncle Will Evans after their mother died.  Esther returned to Pittsburgh in her early teens to continue her education, graduating from George Westinghouse High School. While living in Pittsburgh, Esther discovered her love of music and took private voice lessons. After graduating from High School, Esther relocated to Washington, DC where she began working for the Federal Security Agency (Social Security Administration) as a typist. On May 20,1947, Esther married the late Charles A. Pye and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Of this union, two sons were born, Charles and Kenneth.  While living in Baltimore, Esther continued her employment with the Social Security Administration. When Medicare took effect in 1966, Esther was asked by the Social Security Administration to move to Los Angeles, California to assist seniors with registration for the new health program.  On June 16, 1977, she retired from the Social Security Administration with 33 years of commendable service. While living in California, Esther remained in close contact with her sisters and family across the country.  On December 17, 2014, Esther moved to Michigan to be closer to family.  She was a very active participant in numerous activities at the Assisted Living Residence.   She especially enjoyed exercise classes, arts and crafts, Friday Happy Hour Parties, day trips to museums and local attractions as well as family gatherings and game nights.   She developed a loving friendship with fellow resident, Amy Alexander and her cat, Princess.  She and Amy enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, watching the news and quiz shows many evenings together. Esther had a real love for cats. She especially enjoyed the cat calendars she received every Christmas, books about cats and clothing adorned with cats. Anything cat related gave her great joy. At her Assisted Living Residence, Esther attended Lighthouse Evangel Tabernacle.   She developed a very close relationship with Pastor Renee Garcia who often visited and prayed with her when she was unable to attend service. Esther spent most of the past 18 months in lock down at her residence due to the COVID Pandemic.  Relying on her faith, her strong will and determination thankfully, she survived being isolated from her family. During that time, her caregivers were absolutely amazed by her happy disposition and positive outlook. On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, Esther passed away very peacefully with family by her side.  She leaves to cherish her memory Granddaughter, LaTonya Pye, nephews Irwin Stanley (Dorcas) Knox, Farmington Hills, Michigan, Paul Gray, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benjamin Adrian Knox ,Dallas, Texas and nieces Sharron Greaves, Hatfield Pennsylvania, Charlotte Rice, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Barbara Gray, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and many great and great- great nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her precious family cat Princess. .Esther was preceded in death by her sons Charles and Kenneth Pye as well as her sisters Victoria (Homer) Gray and Anna Mae (Benjamin) Knox.