Jaretta Brian Mentzer

Jaretta was born on June 23rd, 1947 in Ridgway, PA. She was the daughter of Richard “Red” Brian and Hazel Olson Brian, also from Ridgway, PA. Jaretta was a proud graduate of Ridgway High school in1965 and went on to earn her nursing degree (RN) from the Allegheny General Hospital School of Nursing.

While in Pittsburgh, Jaretta met William Mentzer (Bill) . They married on September 26th, 1970 and went on to have two children, Yvonne Matsko (Arlington, VA) and William Paul Mentzer Jr. (Fairhope, AL). Jaretta and Bill raised their family in Elizabeth, PA and continued to reside in the Pittsburgh area until 2021 when they moved to Arlington, VA to be closer to family.

Jaretta was predeceased by her parents, Hazel and Richard Brian. She is survived by her husband, Bill Mentzer (Arlington, VA), her children, Yvonne Matsko (Mark) and Will Mentzer (Heather), grandchildren Annika and Kyle Matsko, her sisters Kathy Painter (Wilson) and Jan Harris (Steve), her brother in law Jack Mentzer (Joanne) and sister in law Jean Nauman, and several nieces and nephews.

Jaretta worked as a Registered Nurse for many years in a variety of settings: acute care, home health, and even local elementary schools. During the latter part of her career Jaretta was a member of the IV Team at Jefferson Hospital and also provided infusion services at a rheumatology practice. Having rheumatoid arthritis herself, Jaretta found this work particularly rewarding.

Jaretta and Bill enjoyed travelling to visit family and see new places. One of their favorite vacation spots was Hilton Head, South Carolina where they spent many vacations with dear friends and family.

Jaretta enjoyed music, playing cards, cooking and baking, attending musical and theatrical performances in Pittsburgh, and being a member of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club. Jaretta celebrated her Swedish heritage and traditions, and even enjoyed a family trip to Sweden in 2005.

Above all, Jaretta loved being a mother and a grandmother. She often said the best years of her life were spent raising her kids. She was active in the PTA, supported her kids in their various sports and activities, and guided them to adulthood. In 2008 the birth of her grandchildren (her precious angels) brought her immense joy. As a “Mor Mor”, she loved nothing more than spending time with them and watching them grow.

Jaretta was a loving mother and grandmother and a beautiful soul with endless compassion. She made the world a better place by sharing her gifts: compassion, patience, and love with those around her.

At her request, a Celebration of Life will be hosted for family and friends in Jaretta’s honor in the coming months (date and location TBD).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation Donate to Arthritis Foundation | Leading Arthritis Charity or The Southwestern PA Registered Nurses Club Scholarship Fund SWPARN Club - SWPARN Club Home by making a check out to SWPARN Club care of Diane Long and mailing it to 962 Churchill Road, Venetia, PA 15367.

Jaretta, aka “Mom”, “Mor Mor”, “Retta”, “Jet”, or “Aunt Ta Ta”, is greatly missed but her love lives on in our hearts and in the memories we cherish.