Franze

Catherine Sadie Nilles Franze, 87, of Mars, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, after a short illness and a well-lived life.

She was born April 2, 1935, and was the daughter of the late Carmella Gorga Nilles Mikluscak and Bernard Ralph Nilles, but she called the late Anthony Mikluscak the father of her heart.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Augustine S. “Gus” Franze.

Catherine was a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, having lived and touched many hearts on the South Side and in Brighton Heights, McCandless, North Hills and Elwood City and for the last 12 years in Mars.

Catherine is survived by her children, Catherine Ann Franze Tulenko, Laura Marie Franze (Kenneth Morton), August Nilles Franze (Sue Daniels), Steve Nilles Franze (Beverly) and Robert Michael Franze (Elizabeth).

Catherine was also the proud grandmother to 10 and great-grandmother to 10 “and counting.”

Catherine’s dear sisters are Vivian Gruska Cleary (Tom), Ann Mikluscak Schmidt (Martin) and the late Phyllis Nilles Killmeyer (Bud). Catherine was a devoted and steadfast friend to many, including her lifelong friend Lillian Kopar and lifelong friend and cousin Sonny Sadowski.

Catherine was a devout member of St. Kilian Catholic Church in Cranberry Township and a past member of St. Alexis Church in McCandless. She was devoted to the Ladies of Charity for over three decades and treasured her many friends in that organization. Catherine loved meeting friends at St. Kilian fellowship dinners. She also loved her friends and the good times she had with the “Lutheran singles club.”

Catherine was a proud legacy member of The Grange (Pleasant Hill Chapter), where she served as program director for many years.

Catherine was a graduate of South Side High School Class of 1953.

Catherine was passionate about gardening and reading (especially with her book club). She will be forever known as a consummate and generous hostess to her many friends and family.

FRANZE — Friends of Catherine Sadie Nilles Franze, who died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township, with the Rev. Charles Bober, pastor, officiating. Please meet at the church.

She will be laid to rest privately at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery in Ross Township.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Catherine’s name to the St. Kilian Parish for the Kilian Cupboard, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.