Cathleen Anne Zentgraf

Cathleen Anne Zentgraf, 67, of Lansdale, died on Friday, February 21st, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Christopher Zentgraf, who made her laugh every day of their forty-six-and-a-half years together. In her final months, he cared for her in a way that was indicative of the mutual selflessness and respect that characterized their marriage.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma and later gallbladder cancer, Cathy was never made bitter by her illnesses and always retained her sweetness, kindness, and sense of humor. How she lived her life carried into how she died. The laughter, storytelling, and love in the household in her last days are testament to the beautiful family life that Cathy cultivated.

Born on Christmas Day in 1957 in Lansdale, she was the daughter of Anne (Murphy) Folkes and the late Paul ("Jim") Folkes. In her early childhood, Cathy was the only sister amongst four beloved brothers and was later delighted to welcome a sister, Amy Gadaleta, who in spite of the age difference became a dear friend and source of endless support. Cathy will be greatly missed by her brothers Jim Folkes (Elaine), Mike Folkes (Phyllis Hsu), Larry Folkes (Nancy), and Dan Folkes (Rose). Cathy also loved the family that she married into, including her late mother-in-law Eleanor Hertzog, late step-father-in-law Carl Hertzog, late father-in-law Jack Zentgraf, her step-mother-in-law Eleanor Zentgraf, and her brother-in-law Jay Zentgraf (Mike Bode).

Cathy graduated from St. Stanislaus Catholic School and Lansdale Catholic High School, where she grew and maintained lifelong friendships and was known for her lively spirit and skill at baton-twirling. She went on to Bloomsburg University, where she met the love of her life, Chris. Their relationship was marked by a lifelong friendship, deep respect, and admiration for each other. Cathy and Chris truly enjoyed each other's company, even in the most chaotic and difficult moments.

She was a dedicated, lifelong parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and spent more than twenty years volunteering and working at Mater Dei Catholic School, where she was much loved by students and teachers alike for her kindness and gentle spirit.

Cathy was the perfect mother to Meaghan, Claire, Kelly, and Michael. Cathy was the kind of mother who understood each child's blend of strengths and struggles and who made each feel uniquely seen. She knew the things that truly mattered and had the uncommon ability to focus on them above all else. She was a constant source of wisdom and caring counsel, yet she didn't take herself too seriously. She was quick to laugh, even at herself, as well as at the jokes that her husband had told many hundreds of times before. She was so happy to welcome Zachary Garm, Ryan Krisac, and Sara Zentgraf into the family, and they knew that they were lucky to have a mother-in-law as warm and welcoming as Cathy. She also loved being a grandmother. Ethan Garm, Charlie Garm, Theo Garm, and Alex Krisac brought her endless amounts of joy, and they in turn adored their MomMom. She spent countless hours reading to them, holding them, and playing with them. Even at her sickest, she loved watching movies with them and hearing about their days. She was also so excited about having two granddaughters on the way.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home (701 Derstine Avenue, Lansdale). A second viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28th at St. Stanislaus Church (51 Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale) followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Cathy's memory to the Penn Medicine Hospice Friends Fund, so that others may receive the dignified care she did.