Here's to Catherine, whose legacy of creativity, love, and the indelible joy of dance will continue to inspire and uplift us all.
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But in true Catherine fashion, she'd likely tell us to "put on some lipstick, a pair of earrings, go dancing, and make the world a brighter place." So, as we remember her, let's celebrate the incredible life she lived and the permanent mark she left on our hearts. To say she will be missed is an understatement. She leaves behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, and the joy of dance in her daughter, Laura Gillen Williamee her son, James Gillen her adoring grandson, Justyn Gillen and his wife, Nicole Gillen and her granddaughter, Jewel Williamee. Mom was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Gillen, a love story that set incredibly high standards. Her advice always sage, and her presence a comfort to us all. She was the most brilliant woman, not just for her creative talents or her professional achievements, but for her wisdom, her wit, and her unparalleled ability to make everything feel okay. Together, they won numerous awards for their dancing, a passion that remained with Catherine even in her later years at the nursing home, where she continued to dance and bring joy to those around her. Catherine and her beloved husband, John, whom she met at an Officers' Club dance, were known for their grace on the dance floor. However, it was her lifelong passion for dance that truly set her soul alight. Her cooking, much like her personality, was full of flavor, warmth, and a touch of unexpected spice. Her culinary skills, while less frequently mentioned, were nonetheless a testament. This vibrant household backdrop was where she honed her remarkable resilience and sense of unity, traits that she carried throughout her life. Raised in a bustling household with six brothers and three sisters, Catherine's early life was filled with the laughter and chaos that comes from a large family. Her hands, equally skilled with a hammer or a needle, crafted garments and furniture alike with love and precision. Not only was she a master carpenter, creating pieces that brought warmth and character to our home, but she was also a professional seamstress. Mom had a remarkable career as a G5 13 for FHA, where she brought passion and dedication. She was a force of nature, a whirlwind of creativity, love, and an unending zest for life, all wrapped up in a package that always, without fail, included bright red lipstick and a pair of earrings. Special thanks to Windber Hospice for their kindness and care.It's hard to capture the essence of Catherine T.
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Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Her eternal light will shine as a beacon of strength to all who knew and loved her. And though small in stature, her heart was boundless, overflowing with love and compassion. Her hands, weathered by years of hard work, bore witness to the countless hours spent amidst the fields and gardens of "Stoney Acres." A woman of simplicity and humility, her presence radiated warmth and kindness. Her kitchen was a gathering spot where we all laughed and made memories. Family unity was her priority: to always love each other and "get along." She lived a life of service, placing the needs of others before her own and always ready to help anyone in need. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wilmore and enjoyed fellowship with friends in the St. Survived by children, Joseph, Mary Ann (Elwood) Adams, Rose Marie Penatzer, Ronald, Karen (Tim) Beyer, and Rita Mae Mason 14 grandchildren 16 great grandchildren one great great grandson sisters, Lillian Pisarski, Carolyn Varner, Nora Mae Zebarth, and Marian Werfel and brother, Edward Werfel. Knisel, who died Apinfant twin daughters, Mary Jean and Mary Joan sisters, Violet Templeton and Irene Timura and brothers, Walter, Gerald, Charles, and Clyde Werfel. Preceded in death by parents husband, Walter J. Born November 21, 1933, in Summerhill, the daughter of Edward L.
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KNISEL - Mary Jane, 90, New Germany, passed peacefully February 27, 2024, at home, surrounded by loving family.