Catherine Ellen Deleon

Catherine Ellen deLeon, 74, of Bethlehem passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, peacefully at her home.

She was born on July 01, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY to parents Albert M. and Marie (Winters) Hood.

Catherine will be remembered as a strong, independent woman. She cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Catherine could often be found watching Hallmark and Lifetime movies. She also found great joy in shopping.

Catherine worked as a manager of the Billing Department for Guardian Life Insurance Company prior to working in the Receivables Department for Northampton Community College.

She will be dearly missed by her son, Lucian M. deLeon and wife, Susan; daughter, Laura Benak and husband, Thomas Benak, Jr.; grandchildren, Ashley, Kayla, Lucian R., Thomas III, Josh, and six great grandchildren. Catherine is also survived by her partner, Terry Breidinger.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Albert Hood; and sister, Roberta Hood.

Services have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home and will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036, and/or St. Luke’s Hospice, 240 Union Station Plaza, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.