Catherine A. (Ryan) Monoski

Catherine A. (Ryan) Monoski, the heart and soul of the Monoski family, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020 leaving an ache in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Her passing leaves a void that will never be filled. She was the glue that held the family together.

Catherine was born September 7, 1937 in Renovo to Joseph L. and Olive L. (Van Wert) Ryan. She was proud of her Irish heritage and always wore green on St. Patrick’s Day. Her mother died when she was 13 months old, leaving the same void for her, that her family is now experiencing. Because of this, family was first and foremost for Catherine. Her work was her family. She always said there was no harder job, or a more rewarding job, than being a mother and she always strived to be the best Mom. Her children think she was quite successful.

Catherine was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, in Renovo, in 1955. Shortly thereafter, on January 28, 1956, she married Eugene J. Monoski in St. Joseph’s Church. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage until Gene’s passing on March 22, 2019. She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, in Lock Haven, but her heart remained in St. Joseph’s.

Catherine was “Mom” to: Joseph E. (Lori Krick); Jeanne T.; Michael P. (Vicki) and Gerald D. She was “Grammy” to Ryan M. (Lynn) Monoski, Mary C. Monoski, and Peter J. Monoski. Her special buddy, Gus, will be lost without her. As soon as he saw her, he jumped on her lap and showered her with kisses.

Catherine was preceded in death by her sister, Jean S. Lane, two nephews, David and Jack Lane, and niece, Esther Lane. Her niece, Theresa Lane survives. Jean raised Catherine, since her mother died young, and Esther, David, Jack and Theresa were more like siblings to her.

Catherine will be missed more than words can ever say.

You fought the good fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith. Rest in peace dearest Mom. Until we meet again….

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Joseph’s Improvement fund, Holy Spirit Parish or the Lock Haven Catholic School.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 925 Huron Avenue, Renovo with Rev. Joseph Orr officiating.

A viewing for friends and relatives will be held on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 Fifth St., in Renovo.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hyner.

“Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep”

By Mary Elizabeth Frye

“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.”