Louise Jean Onusko

She went out like a light. Louise Jean Onusko, 82, died peacefully at St. Andrew’s Village on April 21, 2026.

Originally from Clairton, PA, Jean will be remembered for many Cs… cooking, crochet, children, cussing, crime, chocolate, and casinos.

Jean enjoyed cooking. She never followed a recipe, or measured anything, just tossed ingredients in until it looked or tasted as it should. She cooked for many decades each year for the annual Fireman’s Fair in Clairton. Hundreds of pounds of halupki, haluski, and hot sausage sandwiches filled the hungry appetites. No first responder in the town went hungry. Anyone would think there was always an emergency at her home, as police, EMS, and fire vehicles were parked out front, but the first responders were just inside grabbing a bite to eat, and she happily fed anyone who stopped by. Her signature dishes were homemade ravioli, gnocchi, spaghetti, meatballs the size of Toledo, and “excellent” sauce. Her family would forever be spoiled and not be satisfied at any Italian restaurant.

Jean learned to crochet at age 14. She made thousands of afghans and gave most of them away. These can be found in all corners of the lower 48 warming their happy recipients. If you took care of her in any way, you got an afghan. Her first year in Indiana, she entered three afghans into the crochet category at the Indiana County Fair, and was proudly awarded two ribbons, a second and third place, in a very competitive category.

She lived and breathed the name Gram. All babies, all the time. She would be first to volunteer to babysit or go out of her way to help a parent in need. The children she raised as a nanny truly became her family, and she earned the name “Mum Jean” from them honestly. Even in her final two years, she was a tremendous “foster mother” to her babies Jennifer and Jimmy. IYKYK.

No sailor could hold a candle to this feisty little woman. She had no filter. You never had to guess where you stood because she’d let you know it. Four-letter words were everyday lingo, and made her fiery persona, well….just Jean. 

She was not a member of a church or fraternal organization but was indeed the founder of every neighborhood watch wherever she lived. Nothing got past “Hawkeye” regardless of time of day or night. She far too enjoyed watching all the TV crime shows, notably Forensic Files, ID, and the First 48 and could solve many of the crimes before the investigators did.

Jean never met a casino or scratch off ticket she didn’t like. She loved the excitement of gambling. She only ever had one good win in all the years, and when told “we spent a lot of money today” she’d reply, “ya, but we had a good time.”

Jean unwillingly entered the workforce after her divorce and was employed privately as a nanny for many years to loving families, as well as by United States Steel Corporation and by Westinghouse Corporation, until her retirement in 2006.

Jean is survived by a brother, Lawrence Lattanzi of Clairton, PA, three children, Paul Karloski (Denise) of Jefferson Hills, PA, Edward Karloski (the favorite child) (Stephanie) of Elizabeth, PA, and Kelly Ann Pidgeon (Kelly-Charles, whom she never liked, most likely because his last name didn’t end in an i or an o, until she couldn’t remember that she didn’t like him, then she loved him) of Indiana, PA, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorenzo and Vienna Lattanzi, her brother John “Bugsy” Lattanzi, and her second husband, Gabriel Onusko.

The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to the following providers, for extending the colorful life of Jean longer than ever expected: Dr. Richard Sandrowicz, Dr. Matt Klain, Dr. Nihar Ghate, the vascular team at Allegheny General Hospital, Anew Home Health, and the outstanding, compassionate, loving staff at St. Andrew’s Village, to whom we apologize for the endless stream of Hershey kisses wrappers that were endlessly strewn about her room.

Arrangements are being handled by Lefdahl Funeral Home and services will be private. Memorial donations can be made to Four Footed Friends, 220 Beck Road, Indiana, PA 15701, to The Indiana County Humane Society, 191 Airport Road, Indiana, PA 15701, or to the Indiana Free Library, 845 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701.

Buckle up everyone. She’s on her way. XOXO

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