Maxine Vargo

Maxine Rosemary (O’Brien) Vargo, age 81, of South Fayette, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on August 31, 2024. 

Maxine was born on December 8, 1942 in Hazelwood to the late Richard and Mary Louise O’Brien.  She was raised in Hazelwood and attended St. Stephen School and St. Paul Cathedral High School.  She went on to study at the Mercy School of Nursing to become a registered nurse, later proudly completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing.  In her career spanning more that 40 years, Max worked at Homestead and Jefferson Hospitals before becoming a hospice nurse with Family Hospice.

Maxine is survived by her sons Frank (Mary Lou) and Gregg (Michele) as well as her sister Suzanne Dimun (the late Michael).  She is also survived by grandchildren Carly Vodzak, Amanda Schreiber (Nate), Liz Vargo, Vanessa Vargo, and Nathan Vargo; great-grandchildren Aria Vodzak and Vincent Schreiber; and son-in-law Gary Vodzak. 

She lost her beloved daughter Michele Vodzak in 2023 and dear granddaughter Kayla Vodzak in 2012.

While raising her family, Maxine resided in Munhall and South Park.

Maxine loved visiting with her cousins in East Brady.  She enjoyed watching classic movies, especially horror movies, reading books, and was a regular Jeopardy fan.  She rarely missed a sporting event or dance recital for her children and grandchildren, or any get-together where she could be with her family.  Going to dinner and the casino were two of her favorite outings.  Max was very proud of her Irish heritage.

Most of all, Maxine’s passion was being a caregiver.  She gave great comfort to her patients and their families.  She would care for her own family whether she was providing comfort when ill or caring for her grandchildren.  Maxine never said no to helping her family.

Maxine will be greatly missed by friends and family. 

Maxine’s family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of Genesis Bridgeville Rehab and Care Center and Monarch Hospice for her care.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Paul Henney Funeral Home, 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park.   A service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 am at the Paul Henney Funeral Home with a luncheon to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was a charity dear to Max’s heart.

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