Catherine Victoria Perry

Catherine Victoria Perry joined her beloved husband Richard in Heaven on September 3, 2025, at the remarkable age of 97. We will miss her always, and we are grateful for the 97 years we were blessed to share with her.Catherine was born on November 25, 1927, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Mary and Michael Halesiak. She was the fourth of five children, growing up alongside her siblings Jean, Frank, Helene, and Bernice. Catherine was a woman of quiet strength and endless love. From an early age, she displayed remarkable resilience, often working early morning shifts at the hospital before heading to school. After graduating from Duquesne High School, she met Richard of Monessen, Pennsylvania. Richard, ever the jokester, told her, “I’m going to marry you!”—and in 1946, he kept his word. Catherine and Richard began their life together in Belle Vernon, welcoming their daughter Kathy Maureen in 1947 and, years later, their daughter Susan in 1960. They were surrounded by extended family, sharing a close-knit community filled with laughter, love, and plenty of card games. They later moved to Monessen, where they would call home for the next 40 years. Catherine balanced life both inside and outside the home with dedication and grace, never a complaint. She worked at GC Murphy’s and later in the Kroger delicatessen, but her true expertise shone in homemaking. She poured her heart into cooking, making Italian favorites for her husband and Polish classics of her heritage — pierogis, hearty soups, and more. Her baking was legendary, from pies and cinnamon rolls to biscotti, banana bread, and apple cakes. She was equally skilled with a needle and iron, always keeping her household running with care and precision. Catherine had a lifelong interest in health and wellness. She was committed to exercise, riding her stationary bike until the age of 91. She believed in vitamins, taking more than most could count, and looked for ways to stay strong and healthy. She also delighted in having the latest home comforts – from being the first on her block with a microwave to enjoying a motorized bed and an in-home massage chair. An active member of the Catholic Church, Catherine lived her faith quietly and consistently. After Richard’s passing in 2005, having cared for him faithfully in his final years, Catherine embraced a new chapter of life. She moved in with her daughter Susan and family in Moorestown, New Jersey, while returning to Monessen for summers. Catherine dove into new opportunities, including traveling to places near and far. Her adventures took her to Arizona, Las Vegas, California, Hawaii, Alaska, Michigan, Ohio, New York City, Jamaica, and Florida - where she enjoyed the time spent with her sister Bernice in Orlando. She treasured her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always present for milestones and everyday moments alike. Holidays, family dinners, and simple afternoons together were her happiest times, and she poured her love into creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Joseph Perry (2005), her son-in-law, Barry Hanchin (2025), her siblings Regina “Jean” Kulis, Frank Halley, and Helene Kulis. She is survived by her two daughters: Kathy Maureen Hanchin and Susan Yaszemski (Eric); her five granddaughters: Lori (David Chang), Dana (Dawn Wiest), Debbie (Larry Triplett), Erica (Drew O’Toole), and Stephanie (Stephen Katz); her six great-grandchildren: Kathryn, Kasey, Andrew “AJ” Chang; Eric and Stella O’Toole; and Sophia Katz—each of whom had the special joy of spending time with their beloved GG; her sister: Bernice Sophie Ludgate, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is missed by her grand-dog Reggie. Catherine’s life was filled with love and defined by her acts of service to her family. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her unique sense of humor, and the deep care she showed to everyone she loved. Viewing will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at: Robert A. Billick Funeral Home, Inc. 1415 Marion Avenue Monessen, PA 15062 Phone: 724-684-3700. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at: Epiphany of Our Lord Parish 44 Pennsylvania Blvd. Monessen, PA 15062 Entombment will follow at Grandview Cemetery at Monessen, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Catherine’s memory to HDC MidAtlantic at https://hdcweb.org/donate/. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.billicksfuneralhome.com.