The loss and pain intensify during the times reserved for the celebration of family and friends.

The wedding. The school reunion. The get-together.

This is the paradox attached to the Gorgacz family.

On Dec. 21, the 20th anniversary of the explosion of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, will be observed.

The 270 families of the bombing victims each received $8 million in compensation from the Libyan government in November 2003.

President Bush signed legislation last week that permits the state department to settle the remaining lawsuits, which provides the families with an additional $2 million apiece. The agreement also includes awards to the victims of the 1986 Berlin disco bombing in which three were killed and 229 were wounded.

Both events have been tied to the government of Col. Moammar Gadhafi. As a result of the agreement, Libya will receive immunity from future claims.

Ann Gorgacz, 76, and daughters Loretta Gorgacz, 42, and Linda Gorgacz Gordon, 38, perished in the Lockerbie bombing. At the time, Ann Gorgacz and daughter, Loretta, had visited Linda Gordon, who lived in London. The three were returning to New Castle for the holidays. Ann and Loretta Gorgacz had lived on East Wallace Avenue.

Ann Gorgacz’ only surviving child, Barbara Richardson of California, declined to be interviewed.

“They still struggle with it,” said cousin Diana Tervo, who lives in Neshannock Township.

Tervo is the daughter of Aggie DeBlasio Chabak and the late Michael Chabak, who was Ann Gorgacz’ brother.

“Time has gone on. It’s something you never forget.”

Tervo and her family attended the wedding of Richardson’s daughter in May. Richardson returned to New Castle for her 1963 high school class’ 45th reunion.

“She never really talked about it much,” Tervo said of the disaster.

“Now, she’s more open. It’s a little less painful.”