Kathleen Teresa (Bauer) McDonald, 81 of Wilcox, Pa passed away on July 15, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Born November 26, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Pa, a daughter to the late John L Bauer and Mildred L. (Dye) Bauer of Oakmont, Pa.  

Kathy attended Mt Mercy Academy in Oakland, Pa and graduated in 1960. Following her graduation, Kathy relocated with her family to Johnsonburg, Pa where they ran a family business; Bauers’ Fashions (1959) and Bauers’ Brides and Belles for over 70 years. Kathy was a seamstress for the business and was known for the beautiful work she did on wedding gowns and alike. Kathy later became part owner of the business and retired in 2016.

Kathy married James H. McDonald of Johnsonburg on April 6, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Johnsonburg. They created a home in Wilcox for three daughters; Dawna K. McDonald of Wilcox, Rhonda L. McDonald of Montoursville, Pa and Tammy L. (Ricky) Love of Wilcox. Our mom was a wonderful mother, who supported us and from whom we learned a lot of life lessons. One of the most important was how to “sound it out” when she was asked how to spell a word. To this day that advice is used almost daily.

Kathy was “Gum Gum” to her three grandchildren, who she loved dearly. John H. Schneider (Johnny Jings) of Montoursville, Pa; Sarah L. Love (Miss Sarah) and Katelyn M. Love (Katie-did) of Wilcox. Kathy loved spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren. She was an animal lover and always had a four-legged companion by her side. She and her “Shadow” were inseparable unless she was chasing him through town, when he decided to check out the neighborhood.

Kathy was gifted, not only with sewing but also painting ceramics, which she did for years. Her family will cherish the pieces that she made. Kathy also loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles; the bigger and harder the better. Mom loved her detective and law shows. From Perry Mason, and Quincey, to NCIS, and Blue Bloods, she could solve crime with the best of them. Early on she was a member of the Johnsonburg Women’s Club and a Girl Scout leader.

In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her husband, brother in-law, Charles Cooney nephew, Bret Cooney and brother in-law Tim Shrefler. Kathy is survived by her brother, John (Susan) Bauer, Jr of Bloomsburg, and sisters Jean (Charles) Cooney, and JoAnne (David) Allegretto of Wilcox. Brother in-law William (Bernadine) McDonald of Wilcox and sister in-law Peggy (Tim) Shreffler of South Carolina; five nieces, five nephews and ten great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Penn Highlands hospice nurses for the care they provided our mom and support to us through this difficult time. We would also like to thank all mom’s friends and family who reached out to her during these past few months and provided comfort, nourishment and love.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be conducted on Saturday August 10, 2024, at 11 AM at the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg, PA. with the Rev. Bradley A. Walmer officiating.

The family will be providing flowers. Memorials in Kathy’s name can be made to the Wilcox Volunteer Fire Department, 84 Lawrence St., Wilcox, PA 15870 or the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857.