Alida "Lee" Carole (Swanson) DeRubertis

Alida “Lee” Carole DeRubertis, age 81, born in Pittsburgh on July 9, 1942, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Pittsburgh, surrounded by her family.

Alida was the beloved daughter of the late Arnold and Elaine Swanson, sister of the late Raymond Swanson, aunt to Amy Swanson, and granddaughter of the late Axel and Alida Erickson.  She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 56 years, Dr. Frederick R. DeRubertis, whom she met in 1962 and married in 1968.  Alida is also survived by their three daughters, Diana Leonard (Douglas) of San Diego, Jeannine Blyth (Charles Gottschalk) of Pittsburgh and Andrea Friday of Pittsburgh, and four grandchildren: Oliver and Jasper Leonard, Lilah Blyth, and Luca Friday.  

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor of science degree in 1968, Alida began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Mt. Lebanon School District, and then taught second grade in Frederick, Maryland when her husband was in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in Fort Detrick.  After the births of her three children, she returned to teaching as a third-grade teacher at the Fox Chapel Country Day School, retiring in 2007 after 26 years.  She was adored by her students, and many inside and outside of school affectionately referred to her as “Mrs. D”. 

Alida was a dedicated educator, but what she cherished most was being a wife, mother and grandmother who was always there for her husband, daughters and grandchildren; she seemed to do everything and manage it all with ease.  She was an excellent cook and gardener, sewed fantastic Halloween costumes, and drove her children and grandchildren to their countless activities.  Alida also enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors on Yorkshire Drive, catching up with former students and their parents, and frequent breakfasts with her teacher colleagues.  She was, however, happiest during summer family trips to the Atlantic seaboard, and often vacationed in Hilton Head, South Carolina during her later years.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 9th from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, 100 Center Avenue, Aspinwall. Service and Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh and Animal Friends charities.

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