Verda (Thompson) Breznik

We are very sad to announce the passing of lifelong Murrysville resident Verda Thompson Breznik on February 4, 2021. A true Murrysville native, Verda spent her early years “on the farm” off what is now known as Evans Road (named after her family) and went to school in the one-room Murrysville Schoolhouse. A stunner (who never went out in public without curling her hair and putting on lipstick until the end), she caught the eye of Frank Breznik while he worked as a carpenter building her parents' family home in Export. The pair secretly eloped across the state line in Maryland so that she could keep her job at Westinghouse - where married women were not allowed to work. In a life defined by the simple values of family, hard work, frugality, and morality, it was a notable act of rebellion against the constraints of the times. Verda and Frank raised their two daughters, Penny and Trudy, in the home that Frank built himself for their growing family. Verda was a talented seamstress, and her grandchildren (Stephanie, Henry, Niki, and James) were the beneficiaries of numerous Verda Breznik couture pieces over the years. Verda was not a particularly accomplished cook, but she was a notorious lover of ice cream and Velveeta cheese sandwiches dipped in coffee. Three generations of descendents enjoyed Easter baskets and Christmas stockings filled with her homemade chocolate creations. Beyond her family life, Verda was an active member of the Emmanuel Reformed United Church of Christ and managed the cemetery for many years. Church members enjoyed her organ and piano playing over many years, while at home she put her musical skills to work singing along to Shirley Temple tunes and Lawrence Welk episodes. One of her proudest achievements was rising to the rank of Worthy Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star. In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her cousins Ronnie and John, watching Jeopardy, and keeping up with family members through calls and visits. Verda was preceded in death by the love of her life, Frank, her parents James & Florence, her brother Jimmy and nephew Barry. She is survived by her daughters Penny (David) and Trudy, four grandchildren (Stephanie (Jason), Henry (Lydia), Niki and James(Leah)), six great-grandchildren (Enzo, Hailey, Ashley, Zoey, Beckett and Sterling), niece Kathy, cousins (Ronnie, John, and Mark), and her constant four-legged companion “Pepper”.  A Memorial service for Verda will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 12 noon at Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ (Hills Church) with Pastor Joseph Heddon officiating followed by a graveside committal in Hills Church Cemetery.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Cemetery Fund at Emmanuel Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ (Hills Church) 3618 Hills Church Road; Export, PA 15632. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com

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