Dr. Catherine Gibson Havemeier, age 87 years, of Lancaster, passed away at the Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center on Thursday, March 17, 2016. Born on May 25, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA., she was the daughter of the late John A. Gibson and Anna E. Culbert Gibson. She is survived by sons: Paul E. Oppenheimer, Jr., husband of Eileen W. Oppenheimer, John G. Oppenheimer, husband of Maria R. Oppenheimer, Peter S. Oppenheimer, husband of Christine N. Oppenheimer, daughter: Katherine M. Oppenheimer and five grandchildren: Jack, Stephen, William, Casey and Peter.

She was a 1950 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Master's in Education. She taught English and French throughout her career; teaching in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Wichita Kansas, as a professor at Wichita State University, and in Lancaster, PA for the School District of Lancaster. In 1987, she returned to school to earn her Doctorate in Philosophy from Temple University.

She was also a teacher of oil painting for Manheim Twp. Rec. from 1969-1975 and ran her own antique business, Three Blind Mice from 1971-2008.

In her retirement she volunteered for Operation Scarlet, a Chinese Shar-Pei dog rescue, donating many paintings for fundraising efforts, she worked as a copy writer for her son John's website business, was an avid reader of English history and loved spending time with her cherished dogs.

We love you Mom, we'll miss you and it has been a privilege to have you as our Mother and friend. Until we meet again…

A visitation will take place from 10 to 11 am, followed by the funeral at 11 am with The Rev. Barbara J. Sera officiating, on Tuesday, March 22nd , at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment in Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ORCA, 610 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602 or to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.