Catherine “Be-Be” Stroebel

Catherine "Be-Be" Dodworth Stroebel, recently of Wexford, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 10, 2025, just shy of her 94th birthday, with her husband at her side.

Born on August 15, 1931, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of Paul K. Dodworth and Jean Pitcairn Daub Dodworth. During high school, she attended Saturday art classes at Carnegie Institute where she developed her love of art and colors. Be-Be graduated from Bellevue High School in 1949 and went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education from Allegheny College in 1953, where she was honored with the Porter Prize in Music. During college, she was active in musical groups, the National Outing Club, and her sorority Alpha Xi Delta.

Her career began in Lakewood, Ohio, where she taught for five years - three years of second grade at Garfield School and later third grade at Lincoln School. While at Lakewood, Be-Be directed the elementary orchestra. In 1954, she successfully auditioned for the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and played as a cellist for four years before devoting herself to raising her family.

In 1956, she married Harold Stroebel, and together they raised three children: Kenneth Stroebel (wife RoseAnn), Wendy Herchenroether, and Robin Dolan (husband Brian). She was a proud grandmother to Matt Stroebel (wife Genevieve; children Owen and Shawn), Sam Stroebel, Ben Herchson (wife Katy; son Milo), Amy Herchenroether (boyfriend Elliott), Liam Dolan, and Aidan Dolan. In 1969, Be-Be and Hal moved to Murrysville, Pennsylvania, where they raised their family. More recently, they spent many happy years in retirement in Export. Be-Be is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Be-Be had a passion for knitting, sewing, gardening, a love of color and caring for her beloved cocker spaniels. She was a dedicated member of Symphony East, serving in various leadership roles including secretary, vice president, and president for over five years. She was also a devoted patron of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Be-Be cherished spending time at her family cottage in Ontario, Canada - a treasured place that had been in the family for three generations. She delighted in sharing the lake's history and her many fond memories with fellow cottagers, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Above all, Be-Be was the consummate teacher - her genuine care, curiosity, and interest in the lives of her family and friends touched all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to music and education, and the love she poured into every aspect of her life.

Those wishing to honor Be-Be's life may make a contribution to Bridges Hospice, whose care and compassion brought comfort to her and her family, or to any hospice organization meaningful to them. A link to Bridges Hospice is provided below.