Kathryn Elaine Sell Cahn passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024. Kathryn was born December 17, 1938, the daughter of Pennsylvania Dutch farmers whose ancestors migrated to Eastern Pennsylvania before the American Revolutionary War. Kathryn had a passion for history and genealogy, which she summarized in albums for her family, and was endlessly fond of retelling the story of “our Civil War soldier” who fought in the Battle of Antietam.
After graduating from Slatington High School in 1956, Kathryn attended Allentown School of Nursing and received her RN license in 1959. She met her husband-to-be, Robert W. Cahn, while he was a minister-intern at the Allentown State Hospital where Kathryn was interning as a student nurse. They fell deeply in love and married on July 11, 1959, a love and marriage which lasted more than 60 years until Robert’s passing in January 2022.
In 1967, Kathryn, Robert and their four children moved to Waynesburg College (now University), where Robert worked in the college administration and Kathryn eventually became Waynesburg University’s Director of Student Health Services. During her many years at Waynesburg, Kathryn enjoyed working with college students, providing them with primary care and counseling and organizing annual student health information fairs to create broader health awareness on campus. Kathryn loved being a nurse and volunteered with hospice in Fayette County. After retiring, Kathryn threw herself into a new mission as “Nana” to her grandchildren. Kathryn wrapped her life around them with joy and attention; they truly are her legacy.
In 1984, Kathryn and Robert moved to Uniontown where Kathryn was an active member and Deacon at Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Kathryn sang in the Trinity church choir for more than 30 years and had a gift for finding the Alto part.
In addition to family and church, Kathryn’s other passions included the American Southwest and its Native American culture, Tony Hillerman novels, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and trips to Chautauqua Institution where four generations of her family spent many vacations together over a span of 35 years. Kathryn was a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed by many.
Kathryn is survived by her four children – Leslie Chaverin (Daniel), Timothy Cahn (Minh), Laura Sobolevitch (Stephen), and William Cahn (Meg); twelve grandchildren – Nathaniel, Samuel (Jordan), Benjamin (Megan), and Anna Chaverin; Hannah Kathryn, Sarah, Luke, and Rachel Sobolevitch;
Morgan Cahn Dugan (Robert), Bailey Kathryn Bugajski (Christoper), Jacob Cahn (Rachel), and Grace Cahn; two great grandsons — Callen Dugan and Bennett Dugan; and one great granddaughter, Ada Kathryn Bugajski.
In lieu of flowers, the public is welcome to donate to Trinity United Presbyterian Church for the Trinity Choir and music program, please use the following address and link, 79 West Fayette St. Uniontown, PA 15401, please indicate music program on your check; you may donate directly to trinityupc.com.
Kathryn’s family would like to thank publicly the great staff of Beechwood Court at Lafayette Manor and hospice staff for their exemplary, compassionate care of Kathryn.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA. At the request of the family there will be no public viewing.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.
