Catherine F. Medernach

Catherine F. Medernach, known to most as Cass, joined the choir of Angels in heaven on May 5, 2024.  She was 89 years old.  At the time of her death she was residing in Huntingdon Valley, PA but she lived most of her life in Philadelphia, an area of the city known as Parkwood.

Catherine (Cass) was born October 2, 1934, in Philadelphia to parents Paul and Catherine Glass.  She was the oldest of six children.  She was a religious woman, deeply committed to the Lord with special adoration for the Blessed Mother. 

She was a loving, generous, and thoughtful woman. She was very friendly, never apprehensive of speaking with anyone she met. Although strong-willed, confident in her convictions, and fiercely vocal sometimes, she was also humble, full of compassion and forever forgiving.  She was dedicated to her 3 children, Patricia, Michael and Teresa.  Her love for them was unwavering, putting them first and supporting them unconditionally.   Catherine was a loyal big sister; there through good times and bad to lend a hand or hold a hand. 

She had a great love for singing. Her voice was that of a soprano, which she shared as a member of the church choir also performing for the Pope at the Eucharistic Congress held in Philadelphia in 1976.  She was a Cantor singing for Mass, wedding celebration and funeral services.   

Catherine not only shared her heart, but she also shared her home with family or friends when they needed a safe haven, never expecting anything in return.  She was a fighter for the underdog, standing up for those who couldn't do so themselves. 

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia F. Clementi and Teresa L Buzniak, granddaughter Sarah Pirela, brother Charles Glass, and sister Rose Mary Steitz. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Catherine (Grumm) Glass, husband John J Medernach, son Michael F Medernach, and siblings Pauline Taggart, Constance Glass, and Paul Glass.

Catherine worked in the bookbinding industry for over 50 years, where she was highly skilled and held the important position of sample inspector. She began her career at Goldberg's Candy, the maker of Peanut Chews, which was her favorite candy.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Saint Anselm's Catholic Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154, with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.  Interment will be private.

In memory of Catherine, donations can be made to act.alz.org.