Obituary

Catherine M. Ferrick

Catherine Ferrick, a longtime teacher who launched the elementary counseling program in Leechburg schools, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nana and great Nana, completed her earthly duties on July 20, 2026.

Born on  Sept. 6, 1932, and raised in Leechburg by Joseph and Gertrude Luciak Secondo, she married Paul Ferrick weeks after graduating high school in 1950, worked at the Schenley Distillery and started her family—Diana (Jeff Lund), Paul (Karen) Ferrick and Karen Ferrick-Roman (Dan). A trailblazing nontraditional student, she started college in her 30s and in seven years, completed a Bachelor’s in education at Indiana University of PA, then walked to work at Gilpin School. Catherine earned two Master’s degrees and became the school’s first K-6 counselor, winning grants to support the program. After 25 years, she retired in 1996, giving her and Paul the opportunity to perfect their daily, long-practiced 3-mile walk.

Catsie’s wanderlust took her to European capitals (she taught in Britain and built a footpath in Wales), the Eastern Bloc, Siberian Railroad, Hong Kong, an African safari, and both shores of Mexico, repeatedly to Cancun. Yet Conneaut Lake was her favorite spot. She and Paul fully retired lakeside to keep constant eyes on wildlife and sunsets, welcoming her kids and grands Jesse (Lori), Ted (Danielle) and Chris (Brandi) for her unmatched spaghetti and homemade Italian dressing at their immaculate house.

Catsie remained lakefront for over 3 years after Paul died in 2019, insisting on cutting grass and shoveling snow. Finally, she agreed to move to Mechanicsburg near her son, enjoying Lancaster shows, dinners, and discussing faith and life adventures.

During her last year in Beaver Falls, her spunky personality and talent for playing anything by ear on the piano engaged Celebration Villa staff and residents.

Besides her children and grandchildren, Catsie is survived by great-grands Jacob, Lily, Oliver, Cecilia, Luca and looked forward to meeting the newest addition; nieces Kerry Wolenski and Cecily Waratuke.

Catsie’s parents and siblings Mandy Kost, Judy and Joe Secondo preceded her in death.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be August 3 at 10 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Beaver. Burial will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Leechburg.