Catherine Drescher was born on April 16, 1929. She was the first daughter of the late John and Christina (Benec) Veselich of Jefferson Center, near Saxonburg. Catherine’s immediate family included six siblings; her sister Dorothy (Veselich) Paytas and brothers Edward Veselich, John Veselich, Joseph Veselich, Lawrence Veselich and Robert Veselich. The family worked hard together on the farm. They raised dairy cattle, egg-laying chickens and pigs.
Catherine decided that she wanted to become a hairdresser and so she went to Mason Felix Beauty School in Pittsburgh. Her Father John took her back and forth to school, as he still maintained a job at Jones & Laughlin Steel. After Catherine graduated from Beauty School, she worked at Kate’s Salon in Butler and then at Irene’s in Saxonburg for 36 years, from which she retired in 1983.
Catherine married the love-of-her-life William Drescher on October 12, 1949. They were married in Pittsburgh, followed by a reception at the bride’s parents’ home in Jefferson Center. They honeymooned in Niagara Falls. For their entire married life, Catherine and Bill lived in Saxonburg and were active in their community. Bill owned W.A. Drescher Auto Body and Sales and was active in the Saxonburg VFD and Saxonburg VFW Post 7376. He was an Army Vet. Catherine, in addition to her job, was also very active in her church, St. Joseph’s of Cabot (now Saint Francis of Assisi).
Following the passing of her parents, Catherine became the full-time caregiver of her special needs brothers John and Joseph Veselich. There was nothing more important to Catherine than the care of her family, which she continued to do until she moved to Concordia in May of 2015. In addition to John and Joseph, Catherine cared for her beloved husband Bill when he became ill in 1995. When he passed, she moved back to her childhood home so she could better care for John and Joe. She also cared for her brother Edward Veselich as his health began to decline.
Whoever needed her in the family, she was always there to help. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, was always there with a kind word and a helping hand. Whatever anyone needed, she was there to do. She was always there for her family. They meant the world to her, and she to them.
Catherine is survived by her sister Dorothy (Albert) Paytas , her sisters-in-law Sallie Paulsen and Sherry Small, and her sister-in-law Dorothy Veselich. Her beloved nieces Katherine Paytas (her namesake), Patricia (Paytas) Salerno, Donna (Paytas) Friel and Lisa (Veselich) Kastelic. Her nephews William Paytas, Robert Veselich and Mike and Bill Lazaroff. She has numerous great nieces and nephews and extended family in the Pittsburgh area.
Catherine’s friends were very important to her over the years. She and her family are especially grateful to Linda Heade for her years of friendship and care for Catherine, as well as so many of her other friends who visited, took her to church services and kept in touch over the years.
Catherine’s family is also appreciative of the many caring, loving staff members at Concordia who cared for her. She greatly enjoyed living at Oertel (she said it was her favorite place). A special thank you to the staff there, as well as all of those who cared for her in Siegert Hall. We will never forget your kindness and compassion. Catherine was a special lady, and we will all miss her very, very much.
Friends will be received on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 4-8 pm at the Fox Funeral Home, Inc. Saxonburg, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday August 24, at 11:00 at St. Francis of Assisi (St. Joseph Parish) Cabot. Burial will be in the Summit Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
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