Obituaries/Viewings
Catherine A. Defilippi | 81
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Catherine A. Defilippi, 81, of 145 Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born March 15, 1943 in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late M. Joseph and Matilda Holzle Becker. Cathy was a graduate of Leechburg High School, Class of 1961 and continued her education at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh to earn her Nursing Certificate. She earned her Master’s Degree in Occupational Health Nursing from St. Joseph’s in Maine. She was dedicated to her profession and considered herself fortunate to assist others during her time at Sylvania and Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital. She loved being a nurse and training those who were new to the profession.
On August 21, 1965 in St. Catherine’s Church in Leechburg, Cathy married Edmund J. Defilippi, who survives. They were blessed to share 58 years of marriage and three children.
In addition to her husband, Ed, she is survived by a son, Anthony Defilippi and his wife Jennifer (Leslie) of St. Marys; her daughter, Ann Defilippi of St. Marys; three grandchildren: Tom, Mary, and Vinny Defilippi; a sister-in-law, Barbara Becker of Leechburg; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carl and Jane Defilippi of Smethport; as well as several nephews and a niece.
In addition to her parents, Cathy was preceded in death by a son, Mark Defilippi in 2015, her brother, Joseph Becker in 2023, and a special nephew, Joey Becker.
Cathy was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Queen of the World Church. She could be found every Sunday morning in the front pew with her rosary. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Guardian Angels Center, Christian Food Bank, and the hospital gift shop. She loved giving back to her community and was always eager to help out in any way she could, especially to those in need. When she wasn’t volunteering, Cathy enjoyed knitting and completing word searches. Cathy’s favorite holiday was Christmas and many people were fortunate to receive her homemade cookie tray on Christmas Eve day, a tradition that was done with her daughter for over 20 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Queen of the World Church on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:30AM with Rev. Jeffery Noble, celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 8:30AM until 10:00AM.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Guardian Angels Center, 364 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 or the Christian Food Bank, 817 S. Michael Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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My condolences to Cathy’s family. I went to school with her from first grade to graduation. She was always so much fun. RIP Cathy
One of the best. Cathy knew how to educate us, and teach us right. She was a truly remarkable nurse. Rest easy Flip.
Cathy was the nurse in the emergency room in 1986 when my wife was involved in an auto accident. It was nice to have a nurse like her at that time. My condolences to the family.
To all of you, I am so sorry for your loss. May your Mom’s soul rest in peace. May you found peace during this time of sorrow.
Cathy , what a wonderful lady with a heart of gold. She will be missed by many. She is now with her son Mark and together they will lookout from above and take care of their loved ones.
My husband Dick talked so much about Cathy when she was the nurse at Sylvania. He thought she was great! Guess she’ll be taking care of him in heaven now! Prayers for your family!
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ed and family.
Cathy’s smile and unstoppable energy was truly her signature! She and Ed were our first neighbors when Tony was just a baby. Through the years Cathy has been an inspiration to me and everyone who met her….Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Cathy was a character, she always made you laugh. Rest in peace faithful servant🙏
So many memories… so many kind words… a compassionate, loving soul that would always talk about her family, love of nursing, and the friends she met. She will be truly missed by many. Sending sympathies to Ed, Annie, Tony , Jen and her precious grandchildren.
Hope Klaiber
We will miss sitting by her in church Sunday mornings. So sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful, caring, giving, and lovely lady. I truly enjoyed getting to know her at Tony and Jen’s parties. She will be missed. Rest in peace Cathy.
God Bless she was a wonderful woman.