Catherine Amelia Strosser

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine S. Strosser, (nee Schmieg), age 91, who died peacefully at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler, PA on January 2, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Catherine had been living at Artman since the passing of her beloved husband, Richard Strosser, in March of 2021. She was also predeceased by her former husband, Robert E. Higgins; son Michael R. Higgins; daughter Anina Strosser; and sister, Joan M. Ruzicka.

Catherine is survived by her large and loving family: Her sister, Constance Rondeau; step-sister Clare Morrone; and brother-in-law Joseph J. Ruzicka. Her children Michael Strosser (Shari); Kathleen Whaley (Mark); Mark Strosser (Melissa); Nancy Higgins; Richard “Duke” Strosser (Frances); Karen Taylor (Arthur), Andrew Strosser (Yvette); Joseph Strosser (Carol); Maureen Higgins; Timothy Strosser (Riki); and daughter-in-law Adelaide Higgins. She is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Born on June 5, 1932 in Philadelphia, to parents Katherine (nee Koreck) and Francis Schmieg, she was the oldest of three girls. She initially attended Gwynedd Mercy High School, and graduated from Little Flower. After two years at Gwynedd Mercy College, she was employed by Exide Battery Company, where she met Robert Higgins, whom she married in 1955. Together they raised five children in Elkins Park: Michael, Kathleen, Nancy, Karen, and Maureen. As parishioners of St. James Church in Elkins Park, Catherine was a member of the Mother’s Guild and bowled in the women’s league for many years. Later in life, she became a Eucharistic Minister. Catherine cherished her lifelong St. James friends and her Haines Avenue neighbors.

When her children grew older, Catherine returned to Exide as Treasurer of the Employee’s Federal Credit Union – a position she held until her retirement.

On March 4, 1978, Catherine married Richard F. Strosser, beginning forty-three loving years of marriage. With a blended family of twelve children, they moved to Melrose Park, where they lived for thirty years. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed, they loved hosting large and boisterous holiday gatherings at the big house on Melrose Avenue. Catherine enjoyed playing card games and doing crossword puzzles. Every Christmas, she baked dozens of cookies, especially her grandmother’s Hungarian Kiffle cookies, a family favorite.

In 2008, after caring for her aging parents, Catherine and Richard moved to Ann’s Choice in Warminster, where they lived contentedly for thirteen years. There they made many wonderful friends, and looked forward to socializing at dinner each night. As they grew older together, they remained completely devoted to one another and to their ever-expanding family, praying the Rosary daily, and holding hands before going to sleep. After Richard’s passing, Catherine moved to Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler. There she truly felt safe, cared for, and at home. She made many new friends and enjoyed the activities, especially visiting the duck pond. Catherine always looked forward to spending time with her children and grandchildren. Even so, a day didn’t go by without her wishing her beloved husband could be there too.

In her final years, Catherine expressed her deepest gratitude for the constant love and support shown to her by all her caregivers at Ann’s Choice, Artman Lutheran Home, and Grane Hospice, who became like family to her. Their skilled and compassionate care eased her days and blessed her life until the very end.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Church, 8320 Brookside Road, Elkins Park, PA, on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment immediately following the Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Benevolent Fund at Artman Lutheran Home, 250 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA, 19002, in memory of Catherine Strosser. Services entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home and condolences may be made at: www.mcgoldrickfh.com