Mary Beth Katchmer

KATCHMER, MARY BETH, 53, Northern Cambria, it is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Beth, who entered into eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on April 23, 2026.  Born November 26, 1972, in Barnesboro, PA (now Northern Cambria), she was the daughter of the late Michael and Sandra (LaMagna) Katchmer.  She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Lisa Marie (1965–1966); maternal grandparents, Ralph Sr. and Mary (Grant) LaMagna; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Julia (Farkas) Katchmer; and great-grandparents, Robert and Susan (Herrick) Grant, and Michael LaMagna and Santa Lodico LaMagna-LaMark.  Her great-grandfather, Michael LaMagna, passed away in 1918 during the Spanish Influenza, leaving Santa a widow with five children.  She later remarried, lovingly known as “PaPa” LaMark, and together they had four more children.  Mary Beth was always fascinated by the size and closeness of families from that generation and deeply admired her great-grandmother’s strength and resilience.  She often reflected on her paternal ancestry in Czechoslovakia, as she never had the opportunity to know that side of her family.   Also preceded in death by cousins, Scott LaMagna and Michael LaMagna Jr.; and the children of Thomas and Julie (Katchmer) Buck—Bobby Buck, Tommy Buck, and Judy (Buck) Westover; along with her beloved pets, her cat, Puff, and her birds, Kylie and Karly.   She is survived by her siblings: Michael Katchmer Jr., Northern Cambria; Joseph Katchmer, Indiana; Julie Katchmer and John Katchmer, Susquehanna Township; and her nephew, Michael Phillips.  She is also survived by her cherished family dog, Honey, known for being especially loving, loyal, and faithful.  Mary Beth is further survived by many aunts and uncles: Michael (Debbie) LaMagna Sr., Hollidaysburg; Sister Linda LaMagna, CCW, Bellwood; Ralph LaMagna Jr., Northern Cambria; Samuel (Melissa) LaMagna Sr., Patton; Susan Knapik, Indiana; Mary Ann (Ronnie) Watson, Virginia; and Janis LaMagna, Northern Cambria; along with great-aunt Kathy (Grant) Rearick, widow of Jack, Shelocta; and many cousins and dear friends too numerous to mention.  Mary Beth was proud to have earned her degree in Business Management from Penn Highlands Community College.  She courageously battled cancer since 2019, enduring numerous surgeries with strength and faith.  However, she would not want to be remembered for her illness alone.  Her life was defined by her unwavering faith, kindness, and love for others.  Though cancer brought great hardship, Mary Beth’s deep belief in Jesus Christ gave her peace and hope in eternal life.  She is now reunited with her loved ones, surrounded by true love, peace, and joy.  Mary Beth loved life deeply and cherished each day.  Her message to others was simple yet powerful: “Just be kind.”  She believed that choosing kindness, love, and forgiveness leads to a more meaningful and rewarding life.  She often reflected on the words of Father Andriy Kelt: “If you have hate in your heart, you will never get to heaven.”  She was formerly employed at BiLo in Northern Cambria and PennDOT but found her true calling as a bus driver for Tri-County Transportation.  Though she never had children of her own, she considered the children she transported as her own and found great joy and fulfillment in her work.  She often said, “I’ll never make big money being a bus driver, but it’s the most rewarding and happiest job I’ve ever had.”  Mary Beth lived simply and frugally, grateful for the life she had.  She felt richly blessed and especially treasured her close bond with her siblings, particularly her sister Julie, who was also her best friend.  She loved the seasons of spring and summer, finding joy on sunny days, blooming flowers, and quiet moments outdoors with a glass of iced tea.  She enjoyed comedy shows, her favorite movie Forrest Gump, and riding her small motorcycle.  Above all, Mary Beth loved her family dearly. She shared a special bond with her aunts, especially Sister Linda LaMagna and Susan Knapik, whose love and dedication meant so much to her.  Honoring Mary Beth’s wishes, there will be no public viewing.  All services will be held privately for the Katchmer family.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered support, especially the staff and employees of Tri-County Transportation, including Laura Sedlock, Holly, and Tish.  A special thank you is also extended to Joshua Knapik, and Marissa (Watson) and Don Frazier for their kindness and care.  Moriconi Funeral Home, Inc., Northern Cambria, handling all arrangements. 

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