Katharine A. Ziegler

Katharine Allebach Ziegler, 101, of New Bern, NC, formally of Canadensis, PA, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2016. She was born on May 29, 1914 to Henry and Katharine Tyson Allebach, who preceded her in death along with her brother Harold, and sisters Mary Allebach, Gladys Katz and Alice Moore.

She was married on June 24, 1939, to Robert W Ziegler, and celebrated 58 years of marriage before his passing in 1997. Growing up on a farm during the Great Depression did not deter her from attending Penn State University. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1937, and was a member of Chi Omega Sorority.

One who instilled strong family values, she is survived by her son, Paul, and wife Janet Ziegler of Havelock, NC, and daughter, Brenda Reyes of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; Paul and Renee Ziegler and their children, Luke, Emma and Gabriel of Castle Pines, Colorado; Daniel and Dawn Ziegler and their children, Cassy, Tyson and Joseph of Avon, Ohio; Michael and Kathleen Ziegler and their children, Sophia, Dominic and Lincoln of Ft Mill, South Carolina; Jennifer (Reyes) and Philip Rider and their children, Thomas, Clare, Cecilia and Peter of Houston, Texas; Kevin and Jitti Reyes and their children, Kaleb, Kylie and Ryan of Gardendale, Texas. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, as well as their families.

There hasn’t been a more loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her memory will continue to live on through all whose lives were touched by her kindness and love. She was a dedicated teacher until retiring from East Stroudsburg HS in 1976 and moving to Winter Haven, FL, where she spent many years enjoying her gardens, sewing, knitting and baking. She credits her long life to growing up on a farm, eating good food, working hard, being honest and showing consideration to others.

The family would like to express appreciation to her doctor, hospice caregivers, and Cotten Funeral Home of New Bern, NC for their kindness during this time. In lieu of flowers or monetary donations, she would like for everyone to remember the most important thing in life is family, a lot of love, and to stay in touch with each other.

A private family celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Cotten Funeral Home, New Bern, NC.