Catherine Engler Kane, had a passion for music

Catherine Engler Kane, 89, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025. She was born in Allentown, Pa., daughter of Samuel G. and Mabel L. (Harvey) Engler. She graduated from Allentown High School in 1953, where she was privileged to be the first female percussionist with the AHS concert and marching bands. Music was always an integral part of her life as she joined the Albright Marimba Trio at 14. Two years later, she was recruited as a percussionist and marimba soloist for the Lehigh Valley All-Girls Orchestra. In later years, she served as pianist and choir director for various churches in Allentown, Pa., Quakertown, Pa., and Summerfield, Fla.

Catherine graduated from Bethlehem Business School in 1955 and began her business career with the law firm of Scoblionko & Frank, Attorney John DeMarines, and Erie Insurance Exchange. When the family relocated, she worked as an executive secretary for the multinational Moore Corp (now R.R. Donnelly). After 27 years of service, she and her husband retired to Summerfield, Fla. In 2002, they moved to Lewes, where she returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant at Jack Lingo Realtor, retiring a second time at 82.

She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 54 years, Donald W. Kane; a brother, Carl S. Engler of Longwood, Fla.; son-in-law, Richard Stephens of Pocomoke, Md; and a cousin, Vannett D. Pfeiffer of Millsboro.

She is survived by two sons, Michael D. Kane (Darla) of Laurel Hill, Fla., and Patrick J. Kane of Lewes; a daughter, Brenda Kane Stephens; and a grandson, Nathan K. Stephens of Delmar, Md. Also surviving are Hiep C. Phan (Thuy) and daughter Grace of Lancaster, Pa.; sister-in-law, Eloise Huntington Engler of Winter Springs, Fla.; four nieces; and one nephew.

While living in Lewes, she attended First Baptist Church of Lewes.

Funeral services and entombment will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 27, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Lewes Building Fund, 1001 Kings Hwy., Lewes, DE 19958.

Visit Catherine’s Life Memorial webpage at  parsellfuneralhomes.com.