Leitha J. Hauk

Leitha J. Hauk (nee: Zimmerman) passed away peacefully on Thursday December 23rd 2021 at Forestview Skilled Nursing Center, Erie PA, after a long period of declining health. Leitha was born June 26, 1933, in Sunbury PA, and was the only child of Eugene and Ethel Zimmerman (nee Welschans).

Leitha graduated from Sunbury High School, and graduated from Penn State in with a teaching degree in Home Economics. Prior to her marriage in 1960, Leitha taught full-time in the Mifflinbug PA school district. She also continued to periodically substitute teach at the former St. Michael’s (later St. Monica’s) Parish school in Sunbury, and at Our Lady Of Lourdes School in Shamokin.

Leitha married her husband, the late Frederick W. Hauk DDS of Sunbury May 30th, 1960. During her life, Leitha was a devoted wife; mother to her three children Michael, Kathryn, and Kurt; and grandmother to Brendan, Molly, Maggie, Andrew, Kyle, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Chris.

As a nearly life-long resident of Sunbury, Leitha was deeply involved in many community activities for many years, including the St. Michael’s Parish chicken barbeques; the annual Sunbury Community Hospital Fair; and the St. Michael’s Parent-Teacher Organization; and along with her late husband Fred, the annual Degenstein Library Auction. In addition, Leitha filled many other volunteer positions over the years at the former Sunbury Community Hospital, St. Michael’s Parish school, and Our Lady of Lourdes. Leitha also was a skilled homemaker, cross-stitcher, and folk-art painter. Many of her seasonal crafts remain cherished heirlooms in the homes of her children and grandchildren.

Leitha was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Ethel Zimmerman; her step-mother Alverta Zimmerman; and Fred Hauk, her husband of 47 years. She is survived by her son Michael Hauk (Deborah) of Fairview, PA; daughter Kathryn Sherlock of Morgantown, WV; son Kurt Hauk (Carol) of Watertown, NY; grandchildren Brendan Sherlock, Molly Sherlock, Maggie Sherlock, Andrew Hauk, Kyle Hauk, Rebecca Traud, Elizabeth Sundberg, and Christopher Hauk; and great-grandchildren Millie Traud and Nora Traud.

Funeral arrangements are made with the assistance of David T. Zweier Funeral Home, 157 Chestnut St., Sunbury, PA 17901. Calling hours will be 1-4 PM Thursday January 6th. Funeral Mass at St. Monica’s 10:30 AM Friday January 7th.

The family would like to express their thanks to Leitha’s long-time caregivers and staff at Nottingham Village, Northumberland PA; Forestview Skilled Nursing Facility, Erie, PA; Kathleen and Kimberly at UPMC Family Hospice, Erie PA; and Julie Rodkey at Northumberland National Bank.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Degenstein Community Library, Sunbury PA; St. Monica’s Parish, Sunbury PA; or UPMC Family Hospice via the Hamot Health Foundation.

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