Kathryn Ann Shea

Kathy was born on Jan. 13, 1963, in Abington, to the late Peter P. Hartkorn Sr. and Dale J. (Cleveland) Hartkorn. She was the youngest of five siblings.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved son, Nevin Michael Shea; brothers, Peter P. Hartkorn Jr. and Timothy Hartkorn; her nephew, Charles H. Hartkorn; niece and nephew, John G. and Angie Hartkorn; and brother-in-law, Rich Nolte.

Kathy is survived by her beloved companion, friend, husband and soulmate of 45 plus years, Brian K. Shea; son, Stephen and wife Michelle of Hauser, Idaho; son Matthew and companion Kayla of Liverpool; and her collected children Quinn, Cori, and Penelope Robinson, Cyrus, Christina, and their children Reese, Freya, and Hardin Robinson; as well as her many 4-H children–far too many to name, but no less in her heart.

In addition, she is also survived by her sister, June Marie Brauer and husband Charles of Hatfield; brother, Jacob Hartkorn and companion Cindy of West Chester; sisters-in-law, Denise Hartkorn and Linda Hartkorn; father-in-law, Stephen B. Shea of Mount Pleasant Mills; mother-in-law, M. Lois Shea of Zellwood, Fla.; her dear friend and sister-in-law, Kara Febus and husband Matt of Souderton; sister-in-law, Maureen Shea of Quakertown; brother-in-law, Michael E. Shea of Philadelphia; sister-in-law, Terry Shea of Dublin; and brother-in-law, Michael Rice of Schwenksville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathy grew up in Jamison, and was a graduate of Central Bucks East High School and studied at Bucks County Community College.

In 1980, she started a new job at Lockhart Farms in Chalfont, where she met Brian on her first day. They later married in February of 1982. They raised three sons together while living in Salfordville, as she worked as the Office Manager at Hatfield Auto Auction, before moving to Snyder County in 1995.

She was a stay-at-home mom for a few years, while also running her own home business creating and sewing quality table linens. Kathy had an artistic talent and passion for sewing, evidenced by her constant acquisition of the latest and greatest sewing machines. She then went to work for Kerry Shirk at The Picture Place in Shamokin Dam, a job she loved. After The Picture Place, she began babysitting the Aurand children, which led to her helping her friend Amanda Aurand at her Accounting and Tax Office in Middleburg. A job that was more fun than work for her. She also worked as Interim 4-H Educator for Union County, where she revived the Teen Council Program. She then went on to be the Franklin Township Secretary in 2020 until her passing.

Kathy’s passion for helping youth led her to be involved in many non-profit organizations over the years. Most notably, she was the leader of the Backyard Bunnies 4-H Club. Through her commitment and vision to the club for over 25 years, it eventually grew to become the Backyard Critters 4-H Club and added goats and poultry as well. In 2022, the Shea Family was recognized as the Snyder County Friend of 4-H, the rest of the family was included by default. In 2022, she was recognized as Volunteer of the Month, and in 2023 she earned the distinguished honor of Outstanding Lifetime 4-H Volunteer by Pennsylvania State 4-H. In addition, she received the 2023 Clover Award from the PA Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

Kathy was also extensively involved as a volunteer with the Beaver Community Fair. Originally serving as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Livestock Committee, then the Superintendent for the Rabbit and Poultry Departments, advisor for the Youth Junior Fair Committee, Chairwoman of the New Building Committee, and Webmaster and Social Media Management. She also provided limitless assistance over the years with Photography, IT support, Livestock Office and Junior Livestock Sale Administration, and countless tasks too numerous to mention.

Her love for rabbits coupled with the interests of her sons, also led her to volunteer for the PA State Rabbit Breeders Association and the PA State Farm Show Rabbit committee. In 2018, she received the Distinguished Service Award from PaSRBA for her service as the Treasurer and Chairwoman of the membership committee. Kathy was also a strong advocate and very influential in the effort to get the PA State Farm Show to include rabbits in their Junior Livestock Sale and was Chairwoman of the Meat Pen Sale Committee.

Many of Kathy’s accomplishments were achieved while being a survivor of cancer in 2015 and fighting a 10-year battle with NASH Liver Disease.

Kathy was a lover and collector of people, especially children. She continually pushed them to do their very best. Though her time in Snyder County spanned just 30 years, the legacy she left within her community will go on forever. She spent her life working to leave the world a better place.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoyed her own photography. She was rarely seen without a camera in hand, even though she had a unique talent for avoiding being photographed herself. She also spent time searching for pieces for her Depression Glass collection, other antiques, and relaxing with her dogs and cats.

A visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. pm at the Beaver Community Fair Memorial Building, 785 Snyder Ave Beaver Springs, PA and continuing Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Paxtonville Church, 1281 Paxton St Paxtonville.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at Paxtonville Church. Pastor Jodi Strawser will officiate.

The family will be handling floral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Kathy’s name to the Beaver Community Fair New Building Fund. Donations can be mailed to: Beaver Community Fair, New Building Fund, c/o Amanda Aurand, 170 Kissimmee Rd., Middleburg, PA 17842.

Arrangements are by the Kreamer Funeral Home, 130 S. Zechman St., Beavertown.