Laura Ditka’s Legacy
Laura Ditka’s legacy includes:
Great Mom, family member, and friend
Passion for protecting children
Transformed how Allegheny County handles child and sexual assault cases
Helped create a specialized sex offender court, the 1st in Allegheny County and 3rd in the nation
Throughout her 30-year legal career, Ms. Ditka went to trial on 160 child-abuse cases -- a staggering number
She was so revered in the Pittsburgh area that upon her passing, Governor Tom Wolf ordered flags at the Capital Complex and public buildings lowered to half-staff
Nearly every aspect of Laura Ditka’s life revolved around serving others, whether as a public prosecutor advocating for better protocols and training in child abuse cases or as a mentor to law students. Laura’s Light will continue Ms. Ditka’s mission as a tireless advocate for women and children by providing support through grants, programs, and scholarships.
Laura Ditka, Lead Prosecutor, at the press conference following the conviction for child endangerment of Penn State President Graham Spanier
Summary of her accomplishments defending women and children. Listen to her as she defends the reasons home visits are needed for children in jeapordy
Attorney General’s Office, State of Pennsylvania, remembers Laura Ditka
Laura Ann Ditka Obituary
““Laura was a tireless advocate for women and children,” said Bruce Beemer, a longtime friend and now Pennsylvania inspector general. “She leaves a lasting legacy of protecting those victimized by violent predators.
“There was no one quite like her.” “She had a sense of compassion and empathy for those that were most vulnerable and gave them a voice few people are able to do.””
