Katherine S. Costa

Katherine was born on Dec. 19, 1919, in Philadelphia. She was the daughter of James and Serafina (Scavitto) DeVita. She graduated from Beeber Jr. High and Overbrook Sr. High School.

Katherine was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Dr. Earl C. Costa; loving son, Dr. Ronald E. Costa; and loving granddaughter, Alison R. Costa.

Surviving are daughters, Charlene Costa of San Diego, Calif., and Cheryl Penrose (James) of Milmont Park; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and sister, Sarah Napoli.

Katherine and Earl moved from Philadelphia to Lewistown in 1947, as Earl pursued his field of dentistry and opened his practice there. They raised three children in Lewistown, where they remained.

Earl passed away on May 16, 2011, and Katherine moved to the Philadelphia suburbs in September 2016, to be close to Cheryl and other family members. Katherine moved again in January 2023, to California to be closer to Charlene and other family members.

Katherine was highly active in her community of Lewistown. She was a member of the Mifflin County Garden Club since 1955, was also on the State Board for two years, and was a Flower Show judge. Katherine enjoyed gardening and did volunteer work at the Monument Square in Lewistown for 21 years. She took care of designing and planting seasonal flowers and brought beauty to the community. Katherine loved arranging flowers and had given numerous workshops and programs.

Katherine was also a member of the Horticultural Society, Lilies Society, Red Hats, Ladies Guild-Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Charter Member of Nittany Valley Chapter and Embroiderers Guild of America.

In August 1988, Katherine was the first woman to receive the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Foundation International, which she received for selling $800 worth of Rotary cookbooks to the spouses.

Katherine loved the time she spent with her family, and enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and golfing.

Katherine and Earl enjoyed traveling, both domestically and internationally.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Hoenstine Funeral Home, 75 Logan St., Lewistown, PA.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.