Catherine E. Husic

1921 to 2011

Catherine Elizabeth Muza Husic, age 89, was ushered to her eternal home on June 17, 2011, surrounded by her family. Born on November 28, 1921, Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, 11 months, Anthony John Husic, age 85. Catherine was also predeceased by her immigrant parents, Paul Muza and Helen Benkovic Muza, from Vivodina, Croatia, and siblings Mary Clouser, John Muza, Anna Ladika, and Joseph Muza.

A 1940 graduate of Steelton Highspire High School, Catherine worked for 36 years as executive assistant to the Director of Labor Relations with Conrail, the former Pennsylvania Railroad. She is survived by two daughters Yvonne M. Husic and Patricia A. Husic and fiancé Scott B. Granger, all of Harrisburg, and a grandson, Sean P. Burns, of Harrisburg, and 7 nieces and nephews.

Proud of her Croatian heritage, Catherine leaves a legacy of love for family, compassion for all, kindness in word and deed, and an indomitable spirit of hard work. She daily lived the example that “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now.” Her church, her neighborhood, and her extended family were happy beneficiaries.

A proud mother and grandmother, Catherine exemplified her faith in quiet deeds of hospitality and caring for others. When her husband battled leukemia and lymphoma, she became nurse, encourager, and spiritual warrior; even hastening her own hospital recovery from a stroke to be home to care for her soul mate. A devout Catholic and lifelong member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Prince of Peace Church in Steelton, Catherine enjoyed singing, music, and the special sounds of Croatian songs. She was a member of the Council of Catholic Women and prayed often to her patron saint, St. Jude. Catherine was also a member of the St. Lawrence Lodge and the Croation Fraternal Union.

Enjoying an active life, Catherine loved the simple pleasures of family vacations at the beach, swimming, church activities, preparing homemade care packages for friends and family, making traditional walnut rolls (povitica), and nurturing her three cats. If a life well-lived is measured by a person’s selflessness and influence on others, then her life was rich and blessed. Catherine’s gracious spirit, kind eyes, and strength of character will remain an inspiration to her family and community.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 11am at the Prince of Peace Catholic Chuch, 815 South Second Street, Steelton. A viewing will be held one hour prior at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Pinnacle Health Foundation, for benefit of HealthCare Unit Floor 7C, P.O. Box 8700, Harrisburg, Pa. 17105-8700. Arrangements made by Neill Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Neill Funeral Home, Harrisburg, PA.