Catherine Jean Hodge, age 77, resident of 22917 State Hwy Route 19, Cambridge Springs, PA went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2009 after several months of illness. Born on March 12, 1931 in Punxsutawney, PA , she was a daughter of the late Elmer C. McElwain and Ora Mae Neff McElwain. Jean attended Punxsutawney area schools. On September 16, 1948 she married George William (Bill) Hodge and together their 60th wedding anniversary was celebrated this past Fall. The couple moved to Meadville in 1951 and to Cambridge Springs in 1953. For many winters Jean and Bill lived in Florida where they made many good friends. Strong in her faith to the last, Jean will be particularly remembered for the loving care she provided her husband when he received treatment for cancer in 2007. She especially loved all of her grandchildren and spending time with them.
Jean’s work history included Sylvania in Brookville, PA; Smith’s American Hardware in Cambridge Springs; and at Edinboro University for 12 1/2 years. Her ‘church life’ was very important to her. In past years she attended the North Richmond United Methodist Church and the First Church of God in Cambridge Springs and was an honorary member of the Tomato Hill Community Church in Leesburg, FL. More recently she became a member of the First Baptist Church in Cambridge Springs.
Preceding Jean in death in addition to her parents was a son – Gary Russell Hodge; a great grand daughter – Brianna Nicole; and two brothers – Robert McElwain and Joe McElwain. Leaving behind to mourn her loss in addition to her husband, Bill, are two daughters – Deborah Jean Mancos and her husband, Mark of Waterford and Cathy Lynn Williams and her husband, Dan of Woodcockboro; two sons – Robert William Hodge and his wife, Jane of New Bethlehem, PA and Timothy Eugene Hodge and his wife, Penny of Grand Prairie, TX. Additional family members include 12 grandchildren – Diana Wilcox, Christy Mastrian, Kurt Hodge, Ami Holbrook, Mark Hodge, Matt Hodge, Samantha Brink, Julie Brink, Melisa Smith, Brooke Choate, Marcy Hazlett, Angie Housekneht and 18 great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church of Cambridge Springs with Reverend Rod Beardsley pastor of the Church officiating. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Family House Shadyside, 5245 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
Dear Debbie and Mark…
I know how hard this is for you, losing someone that you love. Mother’s always play a special part in our lives and we tend to do the familiar little things that they taught us when they are gone.
I believe that OUR Lord was waiting patiently for your MOM. I never met her, but with you as her DAUGHTER she had to be a super lady. If there is anything that we can do, please let us know.
Please give everyone our Deepest Sympathy and God Bless you and yours. We know that you are in good hands with Mark.
Love…
David and Janice Hull