Catherine M. (Altieri) Hausfeld, 85, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at The Towne House in Fort Wayne, IN.

She was born on June 2, 1939 in Lorain, OH to Elizabeth and Anthony Altieri. An only child, she was doted on by her parents and surrounded by an extended family of many aunts, uncles and relatives whom she loved. She overcame her beloved father's untimely passing when she was 13 years old and lived her life to the fullest, inspired by his love for her.

She graduated as valedictorian of Brookside High School in Sheffield Village, OH and attended Miami University in Oxford, OH, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. On September 3, 1960 she married the love of her life, Anthony B. Hausfeld, who she met at Miami. They moved to Fort Wayne after graduating in 1961, where she and Tony had just celebrated their 64th anniversary. Cathy went on to earn her Master's Degree at St. Francis and taught in East Allen County Schools for over three decades.

She received numerous awards as an outstanding educator during her tenure. She spent 29 years as a kindergarten teacher at Highland Terrace Elementary, retiring in 1997. Being a teacher was something she truly loved and taught countless children, always advocating and encouraging them as they began their school journey. Her classroom was filled with laughter and learning, with visits from puppets Whiskers Gray and Twinkle Pink, and a treehouse for listening to books, among the many ways she got her young students excited about learning.

Cathy was a beautiful, smart and gifted lady with many talents who had a love of life and a charming personality. She loved being around people, feeding them, playing games and making them laugh. The parties she and Tony threw were fantastic affairs and every attendee went home with a full stomach and a smile on their face. She had a joke for every occasion and remembered them on cue. Her knack for remembering the birthdays of friends and family was unmatched. She also had a flair for fashion and decorating which continued through her final days.

But there was nothing more that Cathy loved than to be with her family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Michael Hausfeld, his wife, Suzanne (Rousseau), her daughter, Michelle (Hausfeld) Fullhart, and her husband, Greg. Six grandchildren are also left to cherish her memory - Tony (Kasey) Hausfeld, Allison (Dane) Sanzenbacher, Amy (Alex) Hammond, Andrew Fullhart, Adam Fullhart, and Alex Fullhart. And finally her three beautiful great grandchildren who brought so much joy to her these past few years as they spent time with their "GG Ma," Hayes and Camille Hausfeld, and Calvin Sanzenbacher.

Her family has been blessed with many wonderful memories of her that we will cherish forever. Her place in heaven has long been designated and her entry wait is now over.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00pm Monday September 23, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4616 Trier Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation from 11:30am until the time of service. Committal and Entombment will be at Fort Wayne Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsond.com.