Evelyn Ann Kisinko McGinty

Evelyn Ann Kisinko McGinty, 97, passed away peacefully at her daughters’ home in Pittsburgh on Tuesday October 3, 2023.

She was born in Monessen, PA on May 27, 1926 to Anna Chertisky Kisinko and Michael Kisinko. After graduating from Monessen High School at seventeen, she interviewed at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. They told her she was too young to enroll, but said they would accept her if she could pass the entrance exam. She did, and earned her R.N. degree in 1946.

Evelyn began her career as an industrial nurse with U.S. Steel in Monessen before working at St. Francis Hospital as the nighttime supervisor in pediatrics. She was then asked to accompany a group of Sisters from St. Francis, to Columbus, GA to set-up and run the operating rooms for a new hospital. Several years later, while on a visit with a friend in Grove City, PA, Evelyn met Regis McGinty, whom she married on May 3, 1952.

She started her decades-long career as a clinical nurse and nursing leader at Grove City Hospital. And she and Regis became the proud parents of Mary Ellen Collins of St. Petersburg, FL (John); Carol of Shadyside, Kevin of Highland Park (Carlie); and Susan of Shadyside. Evelyn juggled marriage, motherhood, and work with ease and patience; and taught her children by example: “do your best, be on time, use good grammar, and write thank you notes!” 

She created a warm and welcoming home for her family and all of their friends; and when she said, “the door is always open” and “there’s always room for one more,” she meant it. Thanks to her culinary talents, countless friends, colleagues, and neighbors considered 319 Edgewood Avenue a favorite spot for a meal, a snack, or a cup of coffee at any time of the day. She wanted to make sure no one ever left her house hungry. In many ways, Evelyn became “everybody’s mother,” sharing her wisdom and wide range of practical knowledge. She taught people the fine art of canning fruits and vegetables; and served as a source of advice on everything from child rearing to medical problems, and even, once, what to do if there’s a bear in the yard.

Evelyn was an accomplished professional, and her colleagues’ respect led to her receiving the 1984 Frist Humanitarian Award from United Community Hospital (formerly Grove City Hospital). The award, named for the CEO of the Hospital Corporation of America, recognized Evelyn as a “responsive and responsible leader and a first class lady” who was dedicated to her patients as well as her staff, and always willing to go out of her way to help others.

After Regis passed away in 1999, Evelyn spent more time in Pittsburgh, a proud and loving grandma to Kevin and Carlie’s children, Patrick, and triplets Anne, Emily, and John. In September of 2015 she moved in with Carol and Susan in Shadyside, where she remained the heart of an extended family that grew to include Patrick’s wife, Candace Opper, and their son, Augie; John’s partner, Drew Klingner; and Anne’s husband, Jake Fisher.

Evelyn’s children grew accustomed to hearing the phrase, “Your mother is amazing,” followed by comments on her strength, intellect, or compassion. People might have been responding to her ability to have a knowledgeable conversation with anyone about anything; her concern for others’ well-being; her decision to undergo simultaneous knee replacements at the age of 75; or her consistent proficiency at Jeopardy, Scrabble, crossword puzzles and trivia quizzes. Evelyn impressed and inspired everyone who met her, and the members of her family could not have loved her more or been more proud of her. Despite the profound sadness of her loss, they are grateful that she has left them with enough wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a brother, Paul M. Kisinko; and a half sister, Marianne Kisinko Dawson. In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild, she is survived by her sister, Sister Elaine Kisinko of Pittsburgh, PA; brother-in-law James Dawson of Pittsburgh, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh on Thursday from 3-8p.m. Funeral Friday, Mass of Christian Burial, at the Church of the Beloved Disciple, 1310 S Center St. Ext., Grove City, PA 16127. at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Evelyn’s memory to 412 Food Rescue in Pittsburgh. https://412foodrescue.org/donate,

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn Ann Kisinko McGinty, please visit our floral store.