Cathi Russo Geesey, 56, of  Lancaster, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Hershey Medical Center.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of Earl E. Jr. and Vilma Wissler Geesey of Millersville.

Cathi was a health teacher at Reynolds Junior High School from 23 years from 1978 to 2001. She thoroughly loved to teach and had a great rapport with her students. She taught with humor and caring, being there for a student to lean on, or having an ear to bend. Well respected and loved by many of her students, Cathi was voted to the Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 1998. While teaching at Reynolds, she would chaperone dances, participate in fund-raising events, be involved in several mentoring programs, and directed 4 school musicals and co-directed 2 musicals.

Following her retirement from teaching, she worked as an activity director for Brereton Manor in Washington Boro. She enjoyed this job very much and would often say, "It really isn't a job because I enjoy it so much."

She enjoyed music and was known to sing along to songs in the car. She loved and cherished both family and friends, above all, the wonderful relationship she had with her son, Mario. Her hobbies included painting old pieces of furniture, creating themes on wooden TV trays, and reading. Cathi had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed seeing others laughing and enjoying themselves.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her son, Mario Russo of Lancaster, her sister Wendy  married to Russell Blake of Millersville, and her brother Scott Geesey of Glen Burnie, MD.

Friends will be received on Sunday, February 14, 2010 from 5-7PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA. Cathi's Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 11AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 163 W. Frederick St., Millersville, PA with the Rev. Robert Merrill officiating. Interment in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu or flowers, please make contributions in her memory to the Alzheimers Assn., South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com