Neighbor Spotlight: Shaler woman, retired director of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, thrives from lifting others

Apr. 1—Editor's note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve "15 minutes of fame." If you would like to nominate someone as a Neighbor Spotlight, visit shalerjournal.com, select the "Post Story" button in the upper right corner, click the "New Article" button and complete the form to publish your nomination. Questions? Email Neighborhood News Network editor Katie Green at [email protected].

Alexis Weber's door is always open.

The Director of the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Etna said her work to help the hungry has fulfilled her post-retirement years and satisfied her mission to do God's work.

"If you look back over the year, people were losing their jobs and no one knew what to expect with the (covid-19) disease," said Weber of Shaler.

"It is amazing what we've been able to do here."

Bread of Life remained open throughout the pandemic, and it has upped its distributions to about 140 families a month — 33% more than in typical years.

"Without the volunteers, we could have never stayed open," said Weber, a former director of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. "If you think about the panic that people have felt over the past year, it's amazing that we had a core group of eight people that committed to come every week to stock the pantry and feed people in need."

The pantry at 94 Locust St. is situated in the basement of Calvert Memorial Presbyterian Church and doles out food the first three Wednesdays of the month.

In nonpandemic times, people are invited into the pantry — configured like a makeshift grocery store — to browse the mini-aisles with a cart.

For now, boxes of fresh bread, cheese, meat and pastries are delivered curbside to their cars. Food is distributed from 10 a.m. to noon the first week, 1 to 3 p.m. the second and 6 to 8 p.m. the third.

There is no income restriction.

"Everyone is welcome," Weber said.

On Tuesdays, Weber and volunteers arrive bright and early to sort and stock the shelves. At least twice a week, they travel to Aldi's, Shop 'n Save and Whole Foods to collect donated food.

The part-time job for Weber has taken on a whole new life, she joked.

An avid reader and travel buff (her dream is to visit the Holy Land in Israel), Weber works hard to provide more than food at the weekly giveaways. For Easter, every family received a ham but also a grocery gift card and a candy bag for the kids.

"We're already thinking of what we can do to make Mother's Day special," she said.

"We don't sit on our money. We have to be generous because the community has been so generous with us."

A graduate of Shaler Area High School, Weber earned her degree at St. Francis School of Nursing before receiving a baccalaureate in psychology from LaRoche University and then a master's degree from Duquesne University.

She began her career in 1969 and ultimately became director of her alma mater, St. Francis. When that hospital closed, UPMC recruited Weber to run Mercy's School of Nursing.

"Education was my love," she said.

When she decided to leave the workforce at age 66, Weber couldn't settle into full-time retirement.

"I prayed, and three days later I saw the ad for Bread of Life," she said.

That was six years ago, and she is certain the move was meant to be.

"It's been very rewarding. I meet all kinds of people, and I love the families," she said. "I believe this is where God wanted me to be at this time."

Etna Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said the borough is fortunate to have someone like Weber. She is always ready to answer the call of people in need, Ramage said.

"I am so impressed by her dedication and ability to adapt to the food needs in our community," Ramage said. "They have their normal set hours of operation, but if she knows or hears of someone who is truly in need, she responds to the call. She is truly an amazing individual."

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Ramage and Weber have communicated weekly with other borough leaders that include the mayor, police chief and religious heads. The group works together to respond to the needs of the community.

"I did a heck of a lot of volunteer work when I was in nursing, but this amazing group of people trying to help other people is really special," Weber said.

"We try to lift their spirits. This is what community is all about."

Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 412-782-2121 x1512, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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