CATHERINE SNYDER PANZA, 92, of Delta, PA, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023, in Autumn House East, York, PA. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel L. Panza, and at the time of his death they had shared 28 years of marriage.

Born on June 19, 1930, in Hanover, PA, she was one of six children born to the late Claude F. Snyder and Anna Grace (Brady) Snyder and was a dedicated registered nurse. During her career, she was employed with Holy Spirit Hospital in Harrisburg, PA; Lebanon VAMC; Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, MD and retired from Rock Spring Village in Forest Hill, MD.

Catherine met her beloved husband by serving as his nurse after his return from active duty with the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and he proposed on Easter Sunday. As it was April Fool's Day, Catherine wasn't sure he was serious - however, he was, and they were married on October 13, 1956. Throughout their lives, April Fool's Day became a very special day in events of their family life. Heartbroken at such an early age in life with the loss of her husband in 1984, Catherine became dedicated to making life special for her family and friends and taking extra time with her patients to calm their fears and concerns.

Catherine was a devout Catholic attending St. Patrick's in Havre de Grace, MD, and then transferring her membership to St. Mary, Pylesville, MD. She was very active in the church community and created spiritual banners for many parishes and events. She was a tertiary member of the Order of St. Dominic, and participated in daily prayer, conferences, and retreats, often proofreading books and documents for the group's spiritual advisor.

In retirement, Catherine enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles and word search booklets, reading, and using her artistic talent in adult coloring books. Her family remarked that she was a "great listener" always there for others to share their concerns and offering her sage, loving advice. She felt a strong connection to many of her caregivers, and felt she was able to help staff and residents better understand each other.

She is survived by three children, Mary Catherine Childress (Randy) of Delta, PA, Richard J. Panza (Connie) of Mechanicsville, PA, and Barbara Panza Smith of Middletown, DE, nine grandchildren, and twenty-three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert S. Panza; her siblings: Arlene Felix, Robert Snyder, Sister Ann Vincentia, Sister Rose Bernadette and Marion Foreman.

A viewing will be held at Harkins Funeral Home, Delta, PA on Tuesday from 2 -3 p.m. followed by a time of sharing of memories and closing with a Nightingale Tribute - a tribute to a registered nurse for their years of service presented during the nurse's vigil by fellow nurses.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 in St. Mary, Pylesville Parish at 10 a.m. located at 1021 St. Mary's Road, Pylesville, MD 21132. Celebrant will be Father Richard Tillman. Interment will follow in Harford Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen, MD next to her beloved, Samuel.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate memorial contributions to the parish at the above address.