Catherine Louise Vankirk

Catherine Louise VanKirk, 72, of Washington, died Sunday, February 1, 2015, in Donnell House. She was born May 15, 1942, in Washington, a daughter of the late Ralph C. and Eleanor Jolley VanKirk. Ms. VanKirk was a 1960 graduate of Trinity High School and 1963 graduate of Washington Hospital School of Nursing. She received her BSN from Wheeling Jesuit University. Ms. VanKirk retired in 2009 after working at Washington Hospital for 43 years in critical care and cardiac rehabilitation units. She enjoyed contact with patients and seeing them recover. Ms. VanKirk was a life-long member of First Christian Church where she had served on the church board and as a deacon. Ms. VanKirk loved dogs, gardening, quilting, sewing, needlepoint and reading. Surviving are a sister, Ann and her husband Byron Whitehead; two cousins, Nellie Marie Snyder and Jeannie McCullough (John); and friend, Maria Coppula, as well as other close friends. Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 4th from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m., the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Stephen Smythers officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, 615 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301.