Obituaries

Dr. Catherine Gibson Havemeier, 87

March 17, 2016

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.

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Condolences to the Family

March 26, 2016

Art, Alex, and I send our sympathy to all of you.  We have many fond memories of Catherine, both in the school setting and at Meadowbrook Market.  We spent many working hours together, mostly enjoyable, with some challenges to keep us on our toes.  We shared many laughs together, as well.  Catherine will be missed.
 
Tana Pratt & family, along with Marti Martin

March 22, 2016

Our Firm extends deep and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Catherine during this most difficult time.  Sandra Edwards Gray, Christopher C. Straub, and the Firm of Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC.  

March 21, 2016

Dear John and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Many years have passed, but I’ll never forget what a caring, generous person she was to me during those tumultuous, formidable adolescent years. It’s  an honor to have known such an inspiring lady.  Wishing you all peace in your hearts, as it is so hard to let go of the ones we love. Patty W. Farbo

March 21, 2016

ORCA sends sincere respects to the family of Catherine Havemeier. Her kindnresses to ORCA always aided the needy animals whom she so loved. We are a better charity because of her support these many years. Personally, I have been honored to call Dr. Havemeier my friend. Connie Kondravy, Co-foounder of ORCA.

March 20, 2016

Paul, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing you when you worked for Horace Mann. Your Mom’s shop was one of my favorite shops to visit. I never realized that your Mom was the owner until seeing the paper today. My sincere condolences on the loss of your angelic  and very special Mother. Sue N.

Visitation
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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