Catherine Sadie Nilles Franze

Catherine Sadie Nilles Franze, age 87, our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed  away surrounded by family on Sunday November 27, 2022 after a short illness and a well-lived life.  She lived in Mars.

She was born April 2, 1935 to the late Carmella Gorga Nilles Mikluscak and Bernard Ralph Nilles, but she called the late Anthony Mikluscak the father of her heart. Catherine was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Augustine S. “Gus” Franze.

Catherine was a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, having lived and touched many hearts on the South Side, and in Brighton Heights, McCandless, North Hills, Elwood City and, for the last 12 years, in Mars, Pennsylvania.  

Catherine is survived by her children: Catherine Ann Franze Tulenko, Laura Marie Franze (Kenneth Morton), August Nilles Franze (Sue Daniels), Steve Nilles Franze (Beverly) and Robert Michael Franze (Elizabeth).  Catherine was also proud grandmother to 10 and great grandmother to 10 “and counting.”  Catherine’s dear sisters are Vivian Gruska Cleary (Tom), Ann Mikluscak Schmidt (Martin) and the late Phyllis Nilles Killmeyer (Bud). Catherine was a devoted and steadfast friend to many including lifelong friend Lillian Kopar and lifelong friend and cousin Sonny Sadowski. 

Catherine was a devout member of Saint Kilian Catholic Church in Cranberry Township and past member of Saint Alexis Church in McCandless. She was devoted to the Ladies of Charity for over three decades and treasured her many friends in that organization.  Catherine loved meeting friends at the St Kilian fellowship dinners. She also loved her friends and the good times she had with the “Lutheran singles club.” Catherine was a proud legacy member of The Grange (Pleasant Hill Chapter) where she served as program director for many years.  Catherine was a graduate of South Side High School Class of 1953.  Catherine was passionate about gardening and reading (especially with her book club).  She will be forever known as a consummate and generous hostess to her many friends and family.  

Friends will be received at the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA on Thursday from 4-7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA on Friday at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Charles Bober, pastor, officiating. Please meet at the church. Burial will be laid to rest privately at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery in Ross Twp. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Catherine’s name the St. Kilian Parish for the Kilian Cupboard, 7076 Franklin Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066.  Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.