Catharine Carmany Barry, 85, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Catharine was born in Lebanon on Mar. 8, 1935, to the late Earl F. and Marian E (Bowman) Carmany. She is survived by son, Patrick Thomas Barry, Esq., of Tucson, AZ, brother, Thomas B. Carmany, M.D., of Annville, PA, and nephews, Rafael Thomas Carmany, of Fresno, CA, and Peter Earl Carmany, PA-C, of Albuquerque, NM. She was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Class of 1952. Professionally, Catharine was a highly valued employee at the accounting firm of Seibert & Associates, from which she retired after 30+ years of service. Music was Catharine’s first love. An excellent and enthusiastic student and an outstanding musician from an early age, Catharine performed many concerts and received many awards for her musical talent. She was prominently featured as a pianist in the well-known Lebanon High School jazz band, the Swingsters. She continued to play piano and organ throughout her life, frequently as an accompanist, and played in many churches in Lebanon County and Lancaster County.
Catharine’s strong faith permeated everything she did. She was the church organist at her beloved Hill Lutheran Church for 43 years, where she also served as Senior and Junior Choir Director, Sunday School teacher, church council member, church treasurer, and publisher of the church newsletter, for many years. Catharine was a member of Hill’s Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and provided endless amounts of wonderful food and cookies for church gatherings. She also served as a volunteer for the Lebanon Rescue Mission for many years. The trait for which Catharine was most known was her generosity. Her family and friends have shared countless stories of her thoughtful gifts, as well as her outreach to neighbors and friends during difficult times. Many children grew up receiving loving hugs, encouragement, and small gifts from “Aunt Catharine.” She shared her love for gardening and flowers with her mother and friends. As Catharine became accomplished at counted cross-stitch, she gifted many of her finest pieces to friends and family. She was a remarkable caretaker for her son, parents, and grandparents. Despite being confronted with many serious health challenges throughout her life, Catharine maintained a positive and cheerful outlook. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many people whose lives she touched.
Graveside services in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery will be held privately. The family plans to conduct a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hill Lutheran Church, 998 N. Mill St., Cleona, PA 17042, or the Lebanon Rescue Mission, 1223 Bittner Blvd., Lebanon, PA 17046.
