Catherine Sands

Catherine Minotto Sands, age 101, of Douglassville, PA passed away peacefully at home Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the widow of Douglas R. Sands. Born in Douglassville, PA, she was the last surviving daughter of Cecilia and Giuseppe Minotto.

She was employed as a Township secretary for the Douglass Township and Berks County Office. She also had worked at the Treasurer's Office of the Berks County Courthouse.

Catherine was a member of the Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Stowe, PA and a Life Member of St. Gabriel's Lodge. She ran the kitchen at the Lodge and was a past President. She was well known for her homemade pizza, mixing 25 pounds of dough at a time.

She was an avid bowler until she was 93. She carried a 199 average in her younger years. She was also in the Berks County Bowlers Hall of Fame.

Catherine is survived by her four children. Josiah James, husband of Teresa A. Strock of Wyomissing, William F., Sr husband of Rosemarie H. Strock of Douglassville, John A. widower of Darlene D. Strock of Birdsboro and Teresa A., wife of Kurt Hopkins of St Charles, MI. One brother survives her, Augustus "Gus" Minotto. Catherine has 11 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. Catherine is also survived by one Godson, Robert Linderman of Schenectady, NY and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a son-in-law, Chester L. DeLavern, a nephew, Anthony A. Minotto, Jr. and her first husband Josiah W. Strock. Her sisters Maria, Anne, Elsie and Adeline and brothers John, Angelo, Armand, Ralph, Anthony, Eugene and Joseph all predeceased her also.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church 122 E. Howard Street, Stowe, PA 19464 on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

Family and Friends may call at Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc. 111 N. Reading Ave. Boyertown, PA on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM and at St Gabriel Church Monday, June 30, 2025 from 10 until 10:45 AM.

Interment will be at St. Aloysius (New) Church Cemetery, Pottstown, PA.