Catherine M. Diederich – Rostraver Township, formerly of Glassport
Catherine M. Diederich, 97, of Rostraver Township, formerly of Glassport, died Monday, March 22, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Brownsville on Feb. 29, 1924, she was the daughter of the late James F. Breen Sr. and Catherine M. Gallagher Breen. Catherine was the oldest of her parents’ 10 children. Before marrying the love of her life and starting a family, Catherine worked as a Bell Telephone operator in Brownsville and in Washington, D.C. A very generous, loving and caring person, she looked forward to traveling on land, air and sea, loved music and dancing, was an avid reader, enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles that adorned her home, delighted in beautiful, warm sunrises and magnificent sunsets, playing Mexican Train and was the crossword puzzle queen. She was not afraid to tackle new adventures, such as learning to drive at 56, climbing Diamond Head, walking on an iceberg, kissing the Blarney stone and cross country skiing. Never one to shy away from helping others, Mother was active in her church in Glassport as a Eucharistic minister and taxiing friends in her red car, especially to and from the YMCA, where they could swim and exercise together. As a Leap Day baby, Catherine had many fun surprise birthday celebrations over the years, especially celebrating on a cruise. She was a strong, inspirational and resilient woman to all who knew her. But Catherine’s greatest joy and adventure was taking care of her family as was evident in her culinary skills for her children and grandchildren. Catherine is survived by her children, J. Joseph (Roxy) Diederich of Ann Arbor, Mich., Janemarie (Dave Sr.) Marshall of Harrison City, Linda L. Lesnak (Ted Collins) of Rostraver, with whom she resided, and David F. (Denise) Diederich Sr. of Ocala, Fla.; grandchildren, Erin (Charles Williams) Martin, McKenna (Evan) Andrews, David (Jody) Marshall Jr., Wayne Marshall, Keith (Jennifer) Marshall, Danielle Yerkey, Natalie Rossi, David (Dr. Jillian Irwin) Diederich Jr., Darren (Katie Schreffler) Diederich and Deanna (JD Chaisson) Diederich; great-grandchildren, Maddy, Oscar and Jeremiah Williams, Calee and Colton Marshall, Johnna Marshall, Marley Yerkey, Jesse Rossi and a great-granddaughter arriving in June; siblings, Joseph B. (Anna Marie) Breen, Elizabeth C. (Charles) Rooney and James F. Breen; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Joseph E. Diederich, who has been waiting for his bride for 25 years; and siblings, Sara Ann Wharton, Francis Breen, Edward Breen, Thomas Breen, Mary Gordon and Robert Breen. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the compassion and care of AHN Hospice and the entire Healthcare Team. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ASKED TO MEET at 10 a.m. for a funeral Mass on Monday, March 29, in St. Sebastian Church, 801 Broad Ave., North Belle Vernon, with the Rev. Michael J. Crookston presiding. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, Irwin. Donations may be made to VFW, Processing Center, P.O. Box 8958, Topeka, KS 66608-8958. Everyone attending the visitation and services must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
