Catherine “Tootie” J. Gerencser, 96, formerly of Bethlehem, died February 29, 2024, at LifeQuest Nursing Center, Quakertown. born in Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Veronica (Doddy) Spevak. She was the wife of the late Joseph R. Gerencser.

She sewed garments at various Bethlehem factories. She worked in the cafeteria at Lehigh University.

She was a member of the Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, formerly Saints Cyril & Methodius, where she was a past president of the parish senior group.

She was an active participant in the National Sokols Ladies Wreath 66 and bowled in the Sokol bowling league.

She is survived by two children, Larry (Melissa Knesz) Gerencser of Easton and Denise (Kevin) McCauley of Carlisle; a sister-in-law, Edna (Zamadics) Spevak; four grandchildren, Randi Gerencser, Eric (Tara) Gerencser, Laura McCauley and Katherine McCauley; two great-grandsons, Anthony Gerencser and Jonathan Knesz; and a step-great-grandson, Trey Ehlman.

She was predeceased by six brothers, Michael, John, Joseph, Andrew, George and Francis; four sisters, Agnes Delgrosso, Mary Lazun, Anna Vanic and Margaret Stangl; nieces; and nephews.

Contributions may be made to the Incarnation of Our Lord Parish Church, 617 Pierce St., Bethlehem, PA 18015; and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.