66 images of Patton, the Homes and E-town were added from 1972 and 1973. See the Photos section.
Catherine "Kit" M. (Goodyear) Kessler was a resident of the Children's Homes from 1930 until a graduate in 1942
Catherine “Kit” M. (Goodyear) Kessler passed away on Wednesday March 10, 2021 at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown.
She was born in Upper Allen Twp., Cumberland County on November 29, 1923 to the late Charles M. and Mae Catherine (Scheafer) Goodyear. Spending much of her life as a nurse, caring for others, she spent the past few years being cared for by the “special” nurses and staff at Masonic Village; the family thanks you so much.
Kit and her brother Bud grew up at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown. Her first husband George Hihn was raised at The Patton Home in Elizabethtown. Kit graduated from Temple University spending six months at The Greenbriar, when it was converted to a hospital during WWII, caring for wounded soldiers.
Kit was remarried to a grade school friend, and superintendent of Cedar Crest School District, Dr. Marlin Kessler. They enjoyed many happy years traveling, rooting for Penn State and welcoming 25 grandchildren, and 41 great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Ronald Hihn and his wife Alice of Harrisburg, Linda Graci of Palmyra, Gary Hihn of Harrisburg, Karen Schultz and her husband Gregory of Mohnton, Susan Capriotti of Lebanon, Marilyn Vinansky and her husband Robert of Charlotte, NC, Kristine Cox and her husband David of Radnor, Kurt Kessler of Radnor, a son-in-law, William Nessler of Havertown, sister Arlene Houck, sister-in-law Donna Miller, sister-in-law Jennette Miller, sister-in-law Bonnie Still. She was preceded in death by her first husband George Hihn, brother Charles Goodyear and his wife Loni, husband Dr. Marlin Kessler, daughter Linda Nessler, sister Gerri Barrows and her husband Donald, brothers Dale Miller, Ray Miller and Harry (Art) Still and brother-in-law John Houck.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 12:30PM at Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 618 E. Main Street, Annville. Please follow COVID-19 protocols, we ask that you wear a mask and social distance. Interment will be held privately at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. There will be a viewing from 11:30AM-12:30PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to, Masonic Children’s Home, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.