Obituary for Catherine J. “Katie” Shimer (Leach) Catherine J. “Katie” (Leach) Shimer, 95, of Everett, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 with family at her side. She was born Tuesday, November 7th, 1922 at her family home in Everett a daughter of the late Chester Guy Leach and Anna Mae (Cottle) Leach. On Saturday, April 13th, 1946 she married Robert W. “Bob” Shimer who passed away on April 18th, 2009.
She is survived by their three sons, Craig Shimer and wife Nancy (Timanus) Shimer of Pasadena, Maryland Lynn Shimer and wife Leah (Graybill) Shimer of Indian Lake, Rick Shimer and wife Jacqueline (Santini) Shimer of Bedford, 3 granddaughters, Heather, Amy, and Lizzi, 3 grandsons, Heath, Adam, and Luke, a step grandson Justin, an honorary granddaughter Mandie, 12 great grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter A sister Evelyn “Ebbie” Allman of Everett, A sister-in-law Alice Joan (Bayer) Leach, of Bedford, and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, church family and their families. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in passing away by a brother Donald “Donnie” Leach and a brother-in-law Richard Earl Allman. Mrs. Shimer was an active member of the Everett United Methodist Church for over 60 years where she held the distinction of being the churches oldest living member.
A graduate of Everett High School, Class of 1940, Katie joined the new girls basketball team her freshman year. Though they lost their first game, for the next 4 years, she and her team did not lose a single game. After graduation, Katie moved to Edgewood, Maryland to live with family and work at the Edgewood Arsenal, assembling L-16 81mm mortars.
She then moved back to Everett, working at Lion Manufacturing in Everett, sewing pockets into the men’s suit jackets that Lion manufactured. It was at this point that Katie decided to enlist in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She completed basic training in Oglethorpe, Georgia, and served as a Corporal with the Motor Pool at Mitchel Air Force Base on Long Island, New York.
There she coordinated transportation of wounded soldiers returning from the European Theater to New York area hospitals so specialists could best treat a soldiers’ specific injury or injuries. After her service to our country during World War II, Katie was a dedicated homemaker who continued to help others as a community leader, and with her smile and optimistic point of view, as a spiritual guide. Be it making sure her sons and their friends had a ride to their little league games, celebrating the holidays or a special family event, she was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend you could depend on.
A member of the Everett American Legion Post #8 Auxiliary and of the Everett Senior Citizens, Katie enjoyed visiting neighbors, family and friends, cooking, reading, especially keeping up with current news, watching old movies, and following the Pittsburgh Pirates. With wealth of knowledge, an amazing memory, much of it regarding the history of Everett, and her faith and optimism, you could always look to Katie for an answer. Loved and cherished by her family, friends and community, being a big part of our lives, she will be remembered for her willingness to help, kindness, and the love she shared with so many.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 at 12:00 noon at the Everett United Methodist Church with Pastor Fred Rudy and Pastor Jay A. Saxe officiating. Friends may call at Dalla Valle Funeral Service, Main Street, Everett on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at the church on Saturday from 11:00 am until the hour of service and share memories online at www. dallavalle-everett.com.
Burial will be held at Everett Cemetery.
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