Catherine "Kate" Schlener, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 24, 2018.  She was the wife of Joseph Schlener, Jr. who died March 30, 2006, after 55 years of marriage.  Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Juanita Margaret Valentine and Patrick Ryan.  Kate and her sister, Frances Ecker, were raised by their mother and stepfather, Phillip Patten.

Kate graduated from Liberty High School in 1948.  She worked at Western Electric from 1948 - 1950 and then worked in a variety of positions for the City of Bethlehem.  She retired in 1992 as the Business Manager for the Parks and Public Property Department.  She was a member of the City of Bethlehem Retirees Group.  Kate and Joe enjoyed traveling.  They vacationed across the U.S. many times and traveled to Europe eight times to visit family and friends Joe met during WWII.  She and Joe were faithful attendees of his army reunions for the 36th Division, 141st Infantry Platoon.  Kate was a beautiful dancer and she and Joe made a handsome couple on the dance floor.  Kate was a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She was very close to her granddaughters and will be greatly missed by them.

Survivors: Sons, Joseph P. of Annapolis, MD and Michael K. and wife Beth of Bethlehem; three granddaughters, Leigh and husband Anthony Markovic, Taylor Schlener, both of  Bethlehem, and Alex Schlener of Virginia Beach, VA; sister, Frances Ecker of Easton; and of course, Lily the cat.

Services: Will be private at the convenience of the family.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Luke's Hospice, 801 Ostrum Street, Development Office, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Online condolences may be sent to www.pearsonfh.com.