Catherine Hershey

Catherine Hershey (formerly Catherine Schraeder) was born in Leadville, Colorado in 1922. She was the daughter of Harry Schraeder, the Sheriff of Lake County and Margaret O'Mahoney, court reporter. She had 1 sister, Majorie Fikany and 2 brothers Harry (Lee) Schraeder and Richard Schraeder. She was the last, remaining member of this Schraeder family. Catherine was married 49 years to the late, John D. Hershey and is survived by daughter, Kimberly and husband John Reiker and son, Matthew Hershey and wife, Karen. Grandchildren include Philip Reiker, James Reiker, Leslie Reiker, Katherine Hershey, Tyler Hilker and Carli Hilker. Growing up at the 10, 000 ft. elevation, prepared her to serve her country during WW II in the USNR. She was stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA where she performed the service of Public Relations Officer. After the war, she returned to Denver and worked as a Secretary at KOA radio station. She met John through mutual friends and was married in 1948. They built a lovely mountain home in Evergreen, Colo. where they lived and raised their family for 40 years. Catherine worked in Women's Retail at the B-bar-K Shop in Evergreen while she raised her children. John's retirement from the Gates Rubber Company in 1988, prompted a move to Willow Springs in Morrison where they pursued golf and traveling. John died in 1997 and Catherine moved to the Holly Creek Senior Community in 2003. She made many friends there and participated in the Widow's Wine Club. She was known for her wonderful, easy smile and her sweet, kind personality. Everyone she encountered in life fell in love with her. She died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 11, 2009. We will miss her! In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Catherine's name to Arthritis Foundation, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 2280 South Albion Denver, CO 80222 or Johnson Center 5000 E. Arapahoe Avenue Centennial, CO 80122.