Catherine "Katie" Jereza

Catherine Elizabeth Hauck Jereza, 79, of Beckley, WV, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 9, 1945, Catherine (Katie) was the last surviving member of the Hauck family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Blake and Harry Hauck; her siblings Mary Raimo, Margaret Moerler, Sister Emmanuel (Patricia) Hauck, Abigail Flannigan, Nancy Vogel, Harry Hauck Jr., Walter Hauck, and Stephen Hauck; her mother- and father-in-law, Amparo Casa and Ramon T. Jereza Sr.; and her brother-in-law, Jose Luis Jereza.

Katie lived a life full of love, devotion, and grace. She is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Dr. Ramon Casa Jereza, with whom she built a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of memories. Together they raised eight beautiful and magnificent children: Mary Eleanor (Mayenne) Fink (husband Ernie Fink), Catherine (Katie) Jereza (husband Ken Freeh), Christine (Tina) Stamper (husband Thomas Stamper Jr.), Rozzana Jereza (fiancé Zeal Hammett), Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Malik (husband Adnan Malik), Monette Williams (husband Dr. David Williams), Dr. Gina Jereza-Harris (husband Brad Harris), and Philip (Ping) Jereza (wife Hilary Jereza). Katie was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Darren, Chloe, Maddie, Brandon, Gabby, Salia, Ella, James Ramon (JR), Quinten, Lana, Emry and one more blessing on the way. Other survivors include her sister-in-law Teresita (Terry) Rosalina Casa Jereza Hudson (husband) Cyrus Lawrence Hudson.

“As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.” — Max Ehrmann was Katie’s favorite quote. She lived this truth with grace, compassion, and unwavering purpose. A proud registered nurse who began her career at Jersey Medical Center, Katie met her beloved husband while he was completing his residency. Together, they built a life rooted in service, family, and community.

After moving to Beckley, West Virginia, Katie’s spirit of leadership and encouragement flourished. She founded the first swim team at St. Francis DeSales Elementary School, leading it to an undefeated record over her ten-year tenure as coach. Her dedication extended beyond the pool—she served judiciously on the St. Francis DeSales Church Bereavement Committee, offering comfort and care to families in times of need. Professionally, Katie continued to make a lasting impact as the office manager and accountant of the Doctor’s Clinic, all while continuing to practice nursing until her retirement.

Katie was a passionate advocate for healthcare, served as Secretary of the Raleigh County Medical Society in 1986, and often promoted Filipino Culture. She never hesitated to raise her voice for causes she believed in, even traveling to the state capital to champion healthcare initiatives. Her ability to balance compassion, precision, and advocacy made her a pillar of both the medical and local communities.

Her kindness was boundless. Katie was known for sending countless thank-you notes and uplifting messages to friends, colleagues, and even strangers—always encouraging others to be their best. Her home was a haven of warmth, especially during Thanksgiving dinners and joyful celebrations for her children.

Katie’s legacy is one of love, advocacy, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a community better for having known her, and a family forever inspired by her example. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always ready to welcome others. She was known for her deep faith, gentle wisdom, and unwavering commitment to her family and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and her ability to make every person feel cherished and at home.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis De Sales Church in Beckley, WV on Thursday September 25, 2025, at 12:00pm. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Katie’s life and share in remembering her incredible legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Francis De Sales School, honoring Katie’s lifelong spirit of generosity.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those who provided compassionate and expert care to Katie over the past year. Special appreciation goes to Dr. Aravinda Nanjundappa and Dr. Bilal Butt of Cleveland Clinic; Dr. EJ Salon and Jennifer Smith of Access Health; the dedicated teams at Raleigh General Hospital’s Emergency Department, Operating Room, ICU, and Med-Surg units; Dr. Divya Rajan and Julie Allen, along with the entire Davita dialysis staff; PCH physical therapy team; and Kelly Vencill and the Hospice of Southern West Virginia staff. Each of you played a vital role in Katie’s journey, offering not only medical support but also kindness, dignity, and comfort. Your care made a meaningful difference, and the Jereza family is deeply grateful.

Katie’s love lives on in the many lives she touched, and her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with her parents and siblings, watching over them with peace and joy