Irene C. “Cookie” Nussbaum, 79, of 258 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with her family by her side.

She was born April 5, 1944, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Edward J. and Edna Zwald Leithner.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1962, and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

On April 25, 1964, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cookie married Robert J. Nussbaum, who survives.  They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by three daughters: Cindy Nussbaum (Chris Geyer) of Ridgway, Julie “Pokey” DeLullo (Bob) of St. Marys, and Chrissy Keebler (Ben) of Weedville; one son, Randy Nussbaum (Donna) of St. Marys; 13 grandchildren: Josh Nussbaum (Taylor), Brianna Barnes (Todd), Brady Nussbaum, Colby Nussbaum, Zach Geyer, Maggie Geyer, Sam DeLullo, Lexie Cunningham (Nick), Emma DeLullo, Kayla Forster (Jared), Jack Keebler, Ava Keebler, and Max Keebler;  four great-grandchildren: Easton Forster, Kason Barnes, Daisy Forster, and Clara Cunningham; three sisters: Jean Petrilli of St. Marys, Janet Pesce of St. Marys, and Dolores “Lolly” Florio of St. Marys; two brothers: Donald Leithner (Mary Lou) of Ridgway, and Kenneth Leithner (Susan) of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

During her early years, she worked at Keystone and Pfaff’s Market but as the devoted wife and mother she was, she chose to then stay home to raise her children.  Once her kids were grown, she went back to work at Lifetime Health and then at Walmart Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.  She thoroughly enjoyed seeing and socializing with everyone she met and became the best of friends with several of her coworkers, who will miss her dearly.  She had a great love for her family.  As more grandchildren came, she decided to retire to babysit her grandkids and most recently her great-grandkids.

She had a huge heart and was always involved in something or helping others.  She loved the Lord and attended two local Bible Studies.  She enjoyed going for lunch with her sisters, dinners with her fellow classmates and former card club, or playing bunco.  She had a deep love for her kids and grandkids and she was the absolute best “Grammy” to them.  She could always be found at one of their activities, as she was their biggest fan.  She was always up and ready for a good shopping trip even at a moment’s notice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com