Obituaries/Viewings
Irene C. "Cookie" Nussbaum | 79
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Irene C. “Cookie” Nussbaum, 79, of 258 West Creek Road, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with her family by her side.
She was born April 5, 1944, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Edward J. and Edna Zwald Leithner. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1962, and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
On April 25, 1964, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cookie married Robert J. Nussbaum, who survives. They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by three daughters: Cindy Nussbaum (Chris Geyer) of Ridgway, Julie “Pokey” DeLullo (Bob) of St. Marys, and Chrissy Keebler (Ben) of Weedville; one son, Randy Nussbaum (Donna) of St. Marys; 13 grandchildren: Josh Nussbaum (Taylor), Brianna Barnes (Todd), Brady Nussbaum, Colby Nussbaum, Zach Geyer, Maggie Geyer, Sam DeLullo, Lexie Cunningham (Nick), Emma DeLullo, Kayla Forster (Jared), Jack Keebler, Ava Keebler, and Max Keebler; four great-grandchildren: Easton Forster, Kason Barnes, Daisy Forster, and Clara Cunningham; three sisters: Jean Petrilli of St. Marys, Janet Pesce of St. Marys, and Dolores “Lolly” Florio of St. Marys; two brothers: Donald Leithner (Mary Lou) of Ridgway, and Kenneth Leithner (Susan) of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.
During her early years, she worked at Keystone and Pfaff’s Market but as the devoted wife and mother she was, she chose to then stay home to raise her children. Once her kids were grown, she went back to work at Lifetime Health and then at Walmart Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing and socializing with everyone she met and became the best of friends with several of her coworkers, who will miss her dearly. She had a great love for her family. As more grandchildren came, she decided to retire to babysit her grandkids and most recently her great-grandkids.
She had a huge heart and was always involved in something or helping others. She loved the Lord and attended two local Bible Studies. She enjoyed going for lunch with her sisters, dinners with her fellow classmates and former card club, or playing bunco. She had a deep love for her kids and grandkids and she was the absolute best “Grammy” to them. She could always be found at one of their activities, as she was their biggest fan. She was always up and ready for a good shopping trip even at a moment’s notice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:00AM with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.
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Extending our most heartfelt sympathies. Cookie was such a beautiful person and a blessing to each of you. Keep all the special memories close to your heart.
Much love,
Dave & Susie
We are saddened by the news. Cookie was a wonderful lady who charmed us all. To Bobby and the entire family, you are in our prayers.
My heart felt condolence to the the family of Cookie. I know your hearts are broken but Heaven has an new angel. She was one of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure to know. She was a gift to the world. You were blessed to have shared in her life. God bless you at this difficult time. My heart is sad and I will keep you in my prayers.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time
Our deepest condolences go out to All of Cookie’s loved ones! May the good Lord grant you strength, peace and comfort during this very difficult time!
I am so sorry to hear about Cookie as she was a sweetheart. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Think of Cookie and smile with the beautiful memories you had with her.
So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cookie was a great lady and will truly be missed.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers are with you all.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dear Nussbaum Family, So sorry to hear this hard on the heart news about Cookie. She was the real deal as a parent along with your Dad , they always were so supportive of anyone who was looking for their children to achieve success .. Heaven has a wonderful angel …. Hold onto the amazing memories from the adventures I know you enjoyed with your sweet Mom. Teacherlove, Larry and K8 Nekuza 💕💕💕
Patty and I were completely shocked when we heard of Cookie’s passing. Cookie and I were in the same grade but we went to different schools but back in the day in small town St Marys we all knew each other. Patty and I would like to offer our condolences to the family.
So sorry for your family’s loss. It’s actually a loss for all of us that knew her. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. I will certainly miss her. Sending prayers to your family to give you strength.
Thoughts and prayers to Bob and the family.