Dec 8, 2012

Desanka “Desa” Winovich Dugas, 43, of Slovan, formerly of Brentwood, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, December 6, 2012, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 8, 1969, in Pittsburgh, to her mother and best friend, Tina Radovich Winovich of Naples, Fla., and her late, wonderful father, Walter Winovich, who died December 24, 2000.

A 1987 graduate of Brentwood High School, she attended Bradford Business School while working for various law firms in Pittsburgh.

Ms. Dugas loved working as the administrative assistant to the superintendent of Burgettstown Area School District. Her dream came true after more than 20 years because of her co-workers.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her lifelong and unconditional partner, Jamie O’Donnell of Burgettstown; a devoted sister, Mileva Winovich Kempa; her godmother, Frances Yovetich Brant; her godchild and niece, Elizabeth Grace Pendeville; and treasured nephews Ryan Dugas Pendeville and Richard Alexander Kempa.

She also leaves behind her special family “O’D,” Alyssa, and sisters-in-law Kelli Alvarez and Marla Pendeville.

Ms. Dugas loved to have fun with friends, enjoying Tuesday night wing night, hanging with friends and being organized. She loved watching Pirate games from the comfort of Jamie’s home. She was especially excited to win the accomplishment of the ball handling trophy at her first time outing at basketball camp in seventh grade.

She wished for everyone to always smile, enjoy each day to the fullest and to be happy.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Lee & Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, PA 15021. A celebration of her life followed by a reception will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, in Pepsi Cola Roadhouse, 565 Route 18, Burgettstown. Everyone is kindly asked to go directly to the Roadhouse Wednesday. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to CaringBridge, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 6032, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6632 (651-452-7940) or at www.caringbridge.org; and/or IBC Research Foundation, 321 High School Road NE, Suite D3, PMB 149, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 or at www.ibcresearch.org.

Desa’s favorite saying came from Dr. Suess: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”