1933- 2017

Catherine H. Nicholas of Ridley Park, died December 23, 2017. Born on March 2, 1933 in McAdoo, PA to John and Helen (nee Berish) Wasno.

Catherine is survived by her sons, James Jr. (Linda Berry) and John (Annmarie); daughter-in-law, Susan Arnold; and her three grandchildren, Amy (Austin) Flynn, Michael Nicholas, and Rob Stainton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 47 years James Nicholas, and daughter Helen Nicholas.

The only child of a coal miner and a factory seamstress, Catherine lived in McAdoo throughout her childhood and teen years, here she graduated from Saint Patrick Grade School and McAdoo High School. She met and married her husband James, a WWII veteran, in McAdoo as well.

Following her marriage and with her husband, Catherine left McAdoo and after briefly residing in apartments in Philadelphia and Chester, settled into her long-time home in Ridley Park. It was in Ridley Park that Catherine set up household and raised her three children. Catherine volunteered for many activities at Saint Madeline Church and parish grade school. Two of her children were very active in school sports, and Catherine was often seen picking up and returning clean football and softball uniforms. She was always in the grandstands, and enjoyed watching her children's games or other school activities. Catherine was a reliable chaperon for school trips.

In her later years, Catherine supported her husband by participating for many years in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Following James's retirement the two of them enjoyed some European travel and trips to Chicago to spoil the out-of-town grandchildren. Catherine spent several years as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, delivering lunches to the elderly with her next-door neighbor. Catherine looked forward to her annual trip to the Cape May shore, as well as going on day trips to Lancaster and Atlantic City.

Catherine will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and loving wife. She was a truly sweet person and enjoyed being around friends and family. Her life is a reminder of the joy of raising a family and living simply. The family would like to thank Sunrise Granite Run and Compassus Care Hospice for their kindness and care.

Visitation 7-9 PM Friday and 8:30 to 9:15 AM Saturday at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park. Funeral Mass 10 AM Saturday at The Church of St. Madeline, 400 Morton Ave, Ridley Park. Burial SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103.