Catherine Becker

Cathy was born in Erie, PA on July 16, 1947, a daughter of the late Catherine “Cae” A. Eisert Hanel and John “Hans” Hanel.  She died peacefully at home March 19, 2023 with her family by her side. 

Cathy is the oldest of seven children born to her mother, Cae Hanel. Her early years were spent with the family in Texas, but she returned to Erie where her roots are. She graduated from St. Vincent High School and attended Gannon College. Cathy received her paralegal degree from Penn State Behrend and worked for a local law firm doing their real estate work. 

Cathy Becker met her husband, Bob, more than 44 years ago through a mutual friend. It was love at first sight and has remained that way ever since. Cathy and Bob were married in 1978 and had their first child, Rob, two years afterwards. Rob then was presented with a sister, Katie, in 1982. Cathy was fortunate to be a stay at home mom raising the children. She was very involved in their education and extracurricular activities. Cathy volunteered with Scouting and Meals on Wheels.  She is very proud that both Rob and Katie are married and gave Cathy the love of grandchildren. She will miss seeing Alexandra, Tyler and Brody growing up. 

Cathy had a great eye for color and style. In the early-1990s Cathy and her sister, Carol, started crafting dolls and other items for sale at craft shows.  This led Cathy to focus more on decorative painting than crafting. She partnered with Donna Dewberry and her “One Stroke” painting technique. She learned the process well enough to travel throughout the country, teaching other “One Stroke” instructors the fine points of the technique. Cathy’s next step was to take her knowledge of painting to start doing wall murals in homes and business throughout northwest Pa. All the while, she did an excellent job of balancing her family with her business demands. 

As painting murals was very physically demanding, Cathy backed away from this profession and took up golf. She became very passionate about the game and the love of being outdoors. Most of all she valued the friendship that golf provided. 

Almost forgot to mention Cathy’s love of music and playing tambourines with accepting bands.  In her high school years, she participated in the school choir, traveling to the world’s fair to perform. She knew the words and melodies of most all 60s, 70s and 80s songs. She continued to listen to current music so she could better relate to her younger friends. 

In her retirement years, she wintered in Fort Myers, FL.  While she missed the fun of skiing, she did not miss the snow. Cathy loves Fort Myers, her home there, and the special friends she interacted with. 

Cathy made friends very easily. Her friends are very important in her life, especially the “Petunias.”  Cathy’s positive attitude about people is reflected in the large number of friends she has in Erie and Fort Myers. They all have been supportive of her in these last eight years of fighting her cancer. You are the BEST. Cathy wanted to thank all of her friends and family for her many cards, flowers and gifts. Too many to mention.  She really appreciates their love, support and caring both now and in the past. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Michael E. Hanel. She is survived by her husband Robert Becker, her two children: Robert P. Becker (Columbus, OH), his wife Kristen and grandchildren Alexandra and Tyler; and Katherine A. Becker (Bradenton, FL), her wife Tammy and grandchild Brody; two sisters, Carol Yahn (Erie), Heidi Carter (Columbus, OH), three brothers, Joseph (Erie), Robert and John (Cleveland), and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26^th Street, on Thursday, March 23 from 4 to 8 p.m..  The funeral service will be Friday, March 24 at 1:00 pm and burial following at Erie Cemetery. Cathy also request her friends to meet later to toast their friendship, love and swap stories of their wonderful past. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Parenting Matters (602 3^rd St. E, Bradenton FL 34208), Blended Spirits Ranch (7401 McCray Rd, Fairview, PA 16415) or Erie Cancer Wellness Center (2212 W. 15^th St, Unit 104, Erie, PA 16505) 

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com