Catherine L. Trees

Catherine L. (Kate) Trees passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness on Saint Patrick’s Day at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Kate resided at Mulberry Corners senior apartments for the last 8 years.

A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Kate was a very active member of St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church. She was a member of the choir, Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Legion of Mary. She was always ready to help, working lots of fund raisers for the Parish.  Her faith was a priority, and the list of folks on her prayer list was long.

Next on her priority list was her family. She was the first of six children born to the late Edward W.  and Margaret (Herzog) Trees of South Plum Street.  She loved and supported all of her siblings and doted over their offspring, calling them her affectionate name of "Dumplins."

Kate’s work life included Hager’s Department Store, Frailey’s Drug Store, and Educators Mutual Life.  Retiring at age 62, she volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Lancaster Library, and Meals on Wheels. 

Her avocations were classical music, opera, Broadway shows, travel and sports.  Kate was a regular at the Lancaster Symphony, the Community concerts at McCaskey, and the Fulton Opera house.  She loved traveling to the Big Apple to the Metropolitan Opera (standing for the entire performance) and lots and lots of Broadway shows.  Just a few years ago she enjoyed Aida at the Met.   Sailing to Europe on the original Queen Mary Kate, she spent some time at the Vatican, the home of her church, and did the Stations of the Cross at Oberammergau. Hardly last on her list was the world of sports.  She was a baseball fan first and foremost.  Kate attended games throughout her time, and the Yankees were first in her heart.  Seeing World Series games in Yankee Stadium when Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee clipper, was in his prime was the norm for Kate.  Of course she loved Notre Dame Football and saw her share of their games.  It always annoyed her when two Catholic schools played each other since her faith wanted both to win. 

Kate is survived by a brother, John E., husband of Sylvia M.; six nephews and one niece.  She was preceded in death by two brothers: George E. and Robert A.; and two sisters, Margaret V. Bricker and Florita Marie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church, 501 Orange St., Lancaster, PA  17602 on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Mitzel as Celebrant. Friends will be received at the church prior to the service from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Final Commendation and Farewell in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Kate’s memory may be sent to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.