M. Catherine (Katie) Marburger, age 89, formerly of Evans City, PA, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2014, at New Haven Court, Zelienople. Born February 24, 1925 in Forward Township, Butler County, she was the daughter of the late Adam C. and Georgia McCandless Marburger. Katie was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Evans City, where she participated in choir, served on council, and chaperoned the St. Peter's Pipers. In 1941 at age 16, she graduated from Evans City High School. In 1942, she entered Presbyterian School of Nursing and graduated as an RN in 1944. She earned her BS in 1956 and Masters in Nursing in 1969 from the University of Pittsburgh. Katie began her nursing career at Presbyterian Hospital. Later, she was the OR Supervisor at Allegheny General and then moved to the Director of Nursing at St. John's Hospital and Butler Memorial Hospital. She continued in nursing at Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburgh and retired as the Director of Nursing at Franklin Regional Hospital in 1989. Katie enjoyed photography, history, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling extensively all over the world and to all 50 states. Some of her fondest memories were taking all of her nieces and nephews on vacations. She was an avid Steeler and Pirate fan and season ticket holder. Katie's generosity was not only shared with family but was extended to others in many ways. She built an in-ground swimming pool in 1971, which she opened to the community long before a community pool existed. She always had a trampoline in her yard for extra fun! Katie is known for her extensive Santa collection, which is displayed at the Evans City Public Library at Christmastime. In addition, each Christmas for more than 30 years, she gathered her nieces and nephews to make homemade candies to share with friends. Katie was a member of the Harmony, Zelienople, and Evans City Historical Societies, volunteered as a Camp Lutherlyn nurse, and hosted an annual field trip to Marburger Farm for kindergartners in Homewood-Brushton for more than 30 years. Katie was preceded in death by her five siblings: Edna Fawcett, R. Jean Schaffer, A. Martin, S. Vernon, and Joseph D. Marburger. She is survived by two sisters-in-law: Mary Marburger, Evans City, and Claire Marburger, Butler; 19 nieces and nephews: Jim and Ron Marburger, Rita Reifenstein, Becky Rengers, Robin Van Dyke, all of Evans City; G-Ann Martin, Georgetown, TX; Tom Fawcett, Sarver; Randy Marburger, Mechanicsburg; Barb Keeney and Charlie Fawcett, Grapevine, TX; Shirley Keating, Akron, OH; Marge Wearing, Renfrew; Kay Terry, Elizabeth, CO; Berty McMillen, Sandston,VA; Mike Marburger, Harmony; Rod Schaffer, Cabot; Dan Schaffer, Prospect; Rick Marburger, Mesquite, TX; Ned Marburger, Minneapolis, MN. In addition, she is survived by 44 great nieces and nephews and 43 great-great nieces and nephews. Friends of M. Catherine Marburger will be received at the A. Carl Kinsey-Ronald N. Volz Funeral Home, 328 W. Main Street, Evans City, PA, from 5:30-9:00 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Visitation will also be held from 10:00-11:00 AM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Services will follow at 11:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or Evans City Historical Society.
