The Life of Catherine A. Chensel
Catherine A. "Cate" Chensel, currently of Bowers, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023, peacefully in her sleep at home. Born November 5, 1951, in Somerville, NJ, Cate was the daughter of Fred and Helen Fella. Cate attended Washington & Jefferson College and then began her career as a buyer for Leh's Department Store where she brought women's fashion from NYC to the Lehigh Valley in the1980's, later promoted to head of advertising. Her next adventure was in the world of television and video production. Changing times and increasingly complex technology led her to leave this industry and go postal where she worked as a rural mail carrier, later transferring behind the counter as postmaster for a number of years in Maxatawny. She loved her customers and enjoyed her daily interaction with them.
Cate had an eye for, and love of, design, drawing plans for friends and family for major construction projects. She attended the Lehigh Carbon County Community College where she studied kitchen and bath design, creating plans used in a number of projects. Cate loved sewing, making clothes, costumes, and just about anything that could be done with fabric, a needle and thread. She designed and made a heating pad, the Corn Cozy, which became a popular item selling at several local stores. Cate enjoyed shopping for fabric, for everything really, and had a love for the unusual and unique.
A lifelong lover of books, Cate was an avid reader of all genres of literature, from Dickens to science fiction to children's stories. Enjoying Storytime at the Library with her grand-daughter, Evie, was a weekly delight for her. Cate was an incredible cook and baker, a skill and love she passed on to her children. Concocting favorite recipes with her family, or trying new ones, was enjoyed by all. She was a free thinker, ahead of her time, decided in her opinions but willing to listen and learn. Cate's humor, intelligence, kindness, and creativity will be remembered and greatly missed by all who loved her.
Cate was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elizabeth Cieslak. She is survived by her son, Isaiah Chensel, daughter, Marthe Chensel, grand-daughter, Evie Hain, four brothers, Fred (Diane) Fella, Alan (Carol) Fella, Michael (Kim) Fella, and Robert (Sue) Fella, many nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Ellen Armstrong. A Celebration of Cate's life will be announced at a future date.
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is assisting the Chensel family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.