Catherine E. Duma

Heaven became a little bit brighter when Mom and Nane, Catherine E. Duma, passed on August 7, 2024, at almost 97 years of life. At the core of her essence, she was a child of God, which emanated in her smile, happiness, brightness, and wisdom throughout her life. As she traveled through life's many winding roads, Mom prayed, "Precious Lord, hold my hand." She lived by the Bible verse, "Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things" [Jeremiah 33:3]. She portrayed beauty and leadership and held firm in her belief in justice.

She valued staying at home to raise her two daughters, Jan and Jaclyn. When she was blessed with two grandchildren, Alexandra E. and P. Dillon, her world became complete. She was so proud and cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, passing on her knowledge and enjoyment of music, the arts, writing poetry, storytelling, travel, shopping, design, and watching and competing in sports and games. Catherine ensured that her Hungarian heritage was passed down to her family and is celebrated by four generations.

Catherine appreciated the many beauties of the world in her travels as well as simply enjoying the daily sunrise from her bedroom window and watching the sunset from the lanai in Naples. When she resided in Pennsylvania, she took in the northeastern beauty and smell of fresh green grass and was eager to decorate the changing seasons, especially Christmas and Easter. She loved dark chocolate almonds, coffee with whipped cream, desserts, and swimming daily. Other priceless memories include sharing lobster bisque with Alexandra and competitive miniature golf with Dillon.

Throughout her lifetime, Catherine touched many lives. She was a proofreader and typist, in sales at the Bethlehem Steel Corp. for nuts/bolts, Chairman and Speaker of the Christian Women's Club, reader for the Blind Association that broadcasted the newspaper, and Vice President of Community Concerts. Catherine attended Toastmasters International, made appearances in local commercials, was the host of “Reading Ministerium” – a denominational TV series, was a volunteer in her children’s school PTA and band associations, participated in Bible studies, was a Couples leader at church, and hosted missionary trip functions. She was a guest speaker for occupational students for her daughter Jan, enjoyed entering and winning contests, and was the family’s extraordinary seamstress.

Catherine was a remarkable woman of deep Christian faith, incredibly bright, and possessed a sharp sense of humor and wit. She was a friend to all and will be remembered as kind, gracious, energetic, creative, loving, wise, principled, and a beautiful woman who brought joy to our lives and all those she encountered. She was touched by the special bond of sharing the daily newspaper, and the affection of her dragon boat family. Catherine was a fighter and a survivor, beating lung cancer and cardiac disease. Even though her body was tired, she still had future travel plans, more decorating and designing projects, more swimming, and more competitive family memories to be made.

The last surviving child of Karl and Elizabeth Segesdy, Catherine was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, lived in Saucon Valley, and attended Liberty High School. She was married to Stephen Duma for 68 years and will now join him in Heaven.

Forever, we know that Mom and Nane is in Heaven watching over us and guiding us while always praying for wisdom and knowledge. She embodies the songs "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," "How Great Thou Art," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and "Silent Night."

A private family burial will take place in Pennsylvania. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life’” [John 8:12].