Catherine M. Harley

Catherine M. Harley, 83, of Minersville, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill.

Born June 7, 1940, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Catherine (Brennan) Evans.

Catherine was a 1958 graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

She was a member of Holy Family Parish of Minersville and of the former St. Kieran's and St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic churches.

Catherine worked in manufacturing at Hexcel for over 20 years, retiring in 2003.

She was an active contributor and volunteer for the Minersville Food Bank and a poll worker.

Catherine's favorite pastime was attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, especially Minersville Little League and high school softball, where she was a fan since their founding. She attended every graduation and celebration for her children and grandchildren and adored being an integral part of her family and friends' lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harley, and two brothers, Francis Brennan and Albert Evans.

She is survived by her four daughters, whom she loved fiercely, Colleen Hozella and her husband, Michael, of Pine Grove, Carolyn Harley and her partner, Kim, of Camp Hill, Patricia Harley, of Minersville, and Suzanne Sterner and her husband, Dave, of Phoenix Park; and beloved grandchildren, Ryan Sterner and his wife, Kristy, Keara Klose and her husband, Ken, Michael Hozella and his companion, Jess, Rachel Sterner and her companion, Josh, and Grace Sterner.

Mom, Nana, Nana Kate, Kathy, Bonus Nana, Everyone's Nana … No matter what name she went by, spending time with Catherine Harley meant one thing: love.

From her famous chocolate chip cookies to her witty quips, Catherine always had people smiling, hugging or, most importantly, eating. She was an expert chef, frequenting farmers markets for the best ingredients. She made sure everyone had their favorite dish or dessert on their birthdays and holidays. Her Christmas cookie bonanza, pork tenderloin, halupkis, pumpkin rolls and whoopie pies were unforgettable culinary delights. Her family promises to continue seeking out the best fresh-cut french fries and to have a bottle of Panera's Fuji apple dressing at the ready during meals in her honor.

Catherine touched the lives of many with her kind heart. God must have decided that he needed an extraordinary baker, cook, gardener, nana, mother, mother-in law, friend and sports fan in his flock, so he called her to be with him.

Words cannot express just how much Catherine was loved. Although the void left by her passing will never be filled, she will live on forever in our hearts. We know she is now with Nana Rosie, Lenie, Dawn, Francis, Albert and all the others God called before her, baking cookies, planting flowers, driving to her heart's content and wearing her blue visor.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St., Minersville, with the Rev. Leo Maletz officiating. Friends may call from 8 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Minersville Food Pantry, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Burial will be private in St. Kieran's Roman Catholic Cemetery. To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Catherine's memory, visit www.donaldjbutlerfh.com.