Mary C. “Kate” Hoh passed away peacefully at 90 years of age on Tuesday, June 25 in Green Hills., Reading, PA. From her youth through recent months, her love of life embraced music, art, literature, faith, family, and community. She taught English as a Second Language and coordinated tutors at Reading Area Community College in the 1990s. Previously she had served in the Reading School District and area nursery schools, including one she co-founded for under-served families in the 1960s at Fellowship House downtown.
As life partner of her late husband, Rev. Paul J. Hoh II, Kate was active in civic and religious causes. She also developed her own political profile as a member of the Democratic County Committee for thirty one years, representing the 15th and 17th Wards. She especially advocated school improvement and prisoner services. In recent decades she was a dedicated supporter and volunteer for The Lutheran Pantry, Reading Library, College Heights Community Council, and Connections Work (formerly Berks County Prison Society).
Having arrived with her husband to Reading in 1959, Kate was a busy homemaker and mother. Nevertheless, she found time to perform roles with Reading Civic Opera when her children were small, participate in the American Association of University Women, sing with church choirs, lead interpretive dance in worship, and perform Colonial era music to celebrate the Bicentennial.
She loved to camp, hike, dance and exercise and to enjoy music in the audience and as a member of Greater Reading Encore Chorale. She cherished time with family and many friends, especially at Chincoteague Island and Assateague National Seashore, in wintertime Florida, and on many trips out West as well as travels abroad.
Mary Catherine Hoh was born in Medina, Ohio in 1934 to Burton C. and Agnes (Ludwig) Houseman. She graduated from Medina High School, attended Oberlin College, and received in 1955 a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Ohio State University, minoring in music. She and Rev. Hoh married in 1956. Beside her husband, she was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth A. “Betty Ann” Anderson and brother Burton L. Houseman.
She is survived by children Christopher Hoh (Daniel) of Arlington, VA; Robyn Cavanagh (Terrence) of Catonsville, MD; Eric Hoh of Montgomery Center, VT; and Scott Hoh (Susan) of Reinholds, PA as well as a cousin, Alan Houseman (Susan) of Washington, DC. Grandchildren are Tucker Cavanagh (Allie), Margaret Cavanagh, Fiona Cavanagh, Olivia Rawlings (Cal), Caleb Hoh, and Emmett Hoh. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 14, at Atonement Lutheran Church Wyomissing with visiting hours at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Connections Work, the Lutheran Home at Topton, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at http://www.johnpfeeney.com.
