Katheryn “Kathy” L. (Curtis) Thalmann-Blank, 84

Mrs. Katheryn “Kathy” L. (Curtis) Thalmann-Blank, 84, of Franklin Twp., devout and faithful wife and mother, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, September 26th, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver.

Kathy was born in Ellwood City on March 31st, 1937, daughter of Kenneth W. and Anna Mae (Malhowsky) Curtis. She was a devoted member of the Lincoln High School class of 1956 and served on the class reunion committee. She also graduated from St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Pittsburgh in 1959 as a Registered Nurse. For several years, she worked at the Ellwood City Hospital as an RN. Kathy then worked as an office nurse for several local doctors.  Most dear to her heart was Dr. Mohammed Tejpar of New Castle. She also used her nursing skills to teach Medical Practice at the Shenango Valley School of Business in New Castle, and at Geneva College in the degree completion program. Most recently, Kathy worked at the Ellwood City MRI as the office manager. In her early years of nursing she helped establish a medical practice called Doman and Delacotto in Ellwood City, which is a way to teach kids with brain injuries how to reroute brain function.

Kathy was a lifelong and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was the first female Church Council President and served on many of the church committees. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and teaching Sunday School. She also served on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Lutheran Synod Council. She was very strong in her faith and always knew God was guiding her through life. To Him she gave all the honor and glory.

She was a member and past president of the Ellwood City Hospital Auxiliary, Ellwood City Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Clubette’s Card Club, Ellwood City Rotary Club past president and Paul Harris Fellow, American Business Women’s Association past president, Women’s Networking Group, the Red Hat Society, Whimsical Women’s Investment Club, past Mother Advisor of the Order of Rainbow Girls, and past president of the Parents Association of Westminster College.  She also enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.  Kathy was the first woman clown in the area, entertaining for many events, private parties, and parades. Her biggest passion was her elaborate Angel collection which she loved to share with family and friends so that a part of her would always be with them.

Kathy is survived by her sons, Bryon Thalmann (Patty Meyer), and Bruce (Shariee) Thalmann both of Ellport, sister, Nancy Edmonds of Crestview, FL, her “adopted granddaughter”, Alena Kucan and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Jesse Edmonds and the loves of her life, Robert “Bob” M. Thalmann whom she married on October 10th, 1959 and passed away on July 28th, 1993, and George William “Bill” Blank, Jr. whom she married on May 4th, 1996 and passed away on October 3rd, 2014.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 1st from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. and on Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Peggy Suhr-Barkley officiating. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Kathy’s name may be made to the: Ellwood City Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 423, Ellwood City, Pa  16117, or to Trinity Lutheran Church, 207 Spring Ave., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.