Catharine I. Leisey, 95, of Lebanon, PA, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Spang Crest. She was the widow of Clark E. Leisey, who died in 2004.

Born in Clay Township, PA on July 19, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Irene A. (Spangler) Hardt. Catharine was a member of Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, Myerstown. Everyone loved her PA Dutch cooking and her yummy baked goods especially her homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs. Because of our large family, we always had a garden and she did loads of canning and freezing.

She certainly knew her way around a sewing machine whether making clothes for her children or mending them. She tried her hand at quilting and made many quilts for family members and they will be treasured by those of us who received one. She made baptismal bibs for the church and also did some crocheting and quite a bit of embroidery. She had a talent for making or creating her own crafts and rock painting. In one season of her life, she got into ceramics. She also made and painted a porcelain baby doll that looked so much like a real newborn baby. She loved her flowers and watching the birds build their nests in the trees or the nesting boxes which she had painted.

She is survived by four daughters, Carol Burkhart, of Bethel, PA, Linda L., wife of Harry Althouse, of Womelsdorf, PA, Ruth Ann Gingrich, fiancé of Alex Flores, of Strasburg, PA, and Sharon, wife of Michael Koehler, of Lititz, PA; two sons David Leisey, husband of Annie, of Dushore, PA; James Leisey, husband of Noelle, of Reading, PA; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Catharine was predeceased by her son, Edward Leisey, grandson, Joshua Leisey, a great-grandson, Sean Orner, and great-granddaughter, Shanon Althouse.

A viewing will be held Monday, September 20, 2021, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Grose Funeral Home, Inc. 358 W. Washington Ave. Myerstown, PA 17067. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, 188 W. McKinley Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067. Viewing will be held at church beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.