Catherine Rose Sisson

Catherine R. Sisson, of Washington, passed away January 10, 2021.

She was born Catherine Rose Murphy to Ellen and Archibald, who had immigrated from Scotland in 1920, eventually settling in Uniontown. Catherine Rose was raised with her sister, Mary Gaidrich (deceased) and graduated from South Union High School, where she was known as Katie. She excelled in math and Latin, and was trained in secretarial skills. Though she was awarded a scholarship to study English at Bethany College, Catherine instead accepted a position with CIT Financial, where she worked for five years. It was there that she met her future husband, John G. Sisson (deceased), who visited frequently to fund a business that would ultimately grow to include Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Mazda and Nissan auto franchises. They married in 1950.

Catherine's high standards were evident in her work, in her volunteering accomplishments and in raising her family. For most of her life, she was an integral part of the family business that she helped to build. She devoted 12 years to the Washington High School Band Aides, many as secretary and president; she was instrumental in organizing fundraisers for new uniforms as well as for the band's first major trips to participate in the Orange Bowl Parade, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Cleveland Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Knoxville World's Fair. She was a director and secretary for the Washington School Authority that developed the grade school complex in 1975. Catherine ran for a seat on the Washington School Board in 1977, and was re-elected six times, serving a total of 19 years. Catherine was president of the Joint Operating Committee of the Western Area Vocational Technical School and received commendations for her meaningful contributions. She volunteered at other organizations including the LeMoyne Center and the Volunteer Resource Center.

In 1994, Catherine received the prestigious Clyde J. Tracanna Volunteer of the Year award for her more than 20 years of service to the United Way. The award recognized her dedication and commitment to community human services. She received a Citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives for this achievement.

Catherine loved tea, Mercedes, the Steelers, New York, high-heeled shoes and "her puppy" Opie. She was an excellent bowler and loved to read biographies. Though she had tiny hands she invariably beat her children and grandchildren at Jacks, and was always steady enough to win at Pick Up Sticks. She was proud of the name "Gobbie" given to her by her first grandchild, Maggie. All four grandchildren feel lucky to have had her in their lives.

Catherine touched many people over her long life. Her strong work ethic and high personal standards earned her the respect of colleagues and employees. Her dependability and honesty earned her the affection of friends and the admiration of fellow volunteers. To those who were lucky enough to know her well, she was warm, smart, adventurous and she loved to laugh. Her small stature belied her strength and determination. Though highly accomplished in many areas, Catherine said that the most fun she had in her life was raising her children, who will miss her dearly.

Surviving are her son, John J. (Vicki) of Washington; daughter, Rosemary (Tony Linares) of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.; and four grandchildren, Maggie (Martin Bowkley) of Washington, Trey (Nancy Liang) of San Diego, Calif. and Alexandra and John Linares of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 119 W. Chestnut Street, Washington, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 13.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Way of Washington County https://www.unitedwaywashco.org/ or the Washington Community Foundation https://www.wccf.net/. A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.