Catherine E. "Aunt Dolly" Galetz, 95, of Schuylkill Haven, passed away Monday at Orwigsburg Center-Genesis Healthcare, surrounded by her family.
Born in Rausch Creek, Tremont Township, Oct. 5, 1921, Catherine was a daughter of the late Robert and Ida Knapp Deitrich.
She graduated from Branch Township School, Llewellyn, Class of 1940.
Catherine and her husband, Albert "Al" Galetz, were married in 1942. During World War II, while Al was serving in the Army, Catherine joined many other Schuylkill County women by working at a munitions factory in Maryland. Catherine riveted fins onto incendiary bombs, and loaded hand grenades. Catherine often spoke about how it was necessary for everyone to contribute to the war effort, to remember the lessons of the Great Depression, to be responsible for oneself and to take nothing for granted.
After the war, Catherine and Al moved to rural Schuylkill Haven where they farmed, and where Catherine resided for the remainder of her life.
She was employed by the PA State Hospital in Hamburg, where she was a nurse's aide for many years until her retirement. Undoubtedly, Catherine's experience with those with physical disabilities aided her in maintaining her independence as she faced many physical challenges of her own in her later years.
Catherine was a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church, Cressona.
Always a friend to animals, Catherine spent many hours enjoying watching the wide variety of birds, squirrels, deer and even the occasional bear that visited her feeders. Known to many as "Aunt Dolly," she enjoyed visits from her friends and family most of all. She had a positive outlook on everything in life, was kind and generous, and will be dearly missed.
Her husband, Albert, died in 1979.
The youngest and last member of her immediate family, Catherine was preceded in death by sisters, Irene Yingst, Violet Heitz and Sylvia Andrachick; brothers, John Deitrich and Arthur Nagle; nephew, Robert Nagle.
Catherine is survived by a nephew, Jerry Enders and wife, Janet; niece, Patty Nagle; sister-in-law, Melba Nagle; great-nieces, Jane Evans and husband, Dave, Lisa Derbes and husband, Bill, Carol Ecker and Pat Hikes; great-nephews, Jeff Enders, and Nick Murray and wife, Tracy; great-great-nieces and -nephews; special family friend, Karen Dudash. Catherine is also survived by a very dear friend and neighbor, Deborah Cooper, and Deborah's children, Sarah, Jesse, Suzanne and Benjamin.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, 26 Chestnut St., Cressona, with Pastor Randy Ott officiating. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow the service in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Free Church, 101 Graeff St, Cressona PA 17929; or to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville PA 17901.