KATHLEEN 'KATHY' CAROL VAUSE (DUNCAN WESSEL) quietly passed away on Tuesday March 26, 2024. She was born on October 10, 1946, to her late parents, Donald McCleod Duncan and Martha 'Marty' Duncan (Burke Kocher). In 1949 Kathy's mother, Martha, divorced Donald and later married her stepfather, the late Charles Howard Wessel. In 1953 her name was legally recorded as Kathleen Carol Wessel.

Kathy had a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked as a salesperson for the Joseph Horne department store, a team member at Rax Roast Beef in Penn Hills and an operator at the J.C. Penny call center in Indianola, Pennsylvania. Here is where she took orders for J.C. Penny merchandise, booked, and issued tickets for People Airlines, and handled prescription calls for CVS pharmacy. In 2011 she had to end working due to her bipolar disorder, a condition she was diagnosed with in her late twenties. Her life was not easy, full of intense emotions, great happiness and deep sadness, along with many broken personal relationships. Her family and especially her mother stood by her during her sporadic manic episodes and during her adjustment and recovery after. Kathy persevered, was strongly independent and had the wonderful gift of humor, wit, and laughter. She also had the gift of music, playing the flute and piccolo in the Penn Hills High School marching band and singing in the Penn Hills Community Choir. Kathy loved game shows, mainly Jeopardy, where she put her intellect to the test by knowing the answers to most of Jeopardy's final questions.

By her late ex-husband Charles Edward Vause she has a daughter Judith (David) Eichner of Cartersville, Georgia, a granddaughter Lauren Eichner, and a son Timothy Vause of Kingston, Georgia. Her cherished sister Martha Wessel Demshar is the mother and grandmother to her caring and loving nieces Debra (Joseph) Varrati, Nicole (James) Collier and four great nieces and great nephews Domenic & Anthony Varrati and Austin and Amanda Collier. Her brother Charles Blair Wessel and his late partner Bruce Arthur Johnston provided support and continued guidance after the passing of her mother who was her best friend. She is survived by many cousins in the Davis, LeClair and Bill families originating from Heuvelton, St. Lawrence County, New York. Kathy always looked forward to receiving cards and letters from her dear cousin Rosemary Davis Knowlton. Kathy much appreciated the kindness and generosity of her good neighbor, friend and second mom, Geraldine 'Geri' Skehan. Kathy was the mother to two cats, Snickers and Morticia Rose.

May God grant her peace and eternal happiness.

If desired, please contribute in her memory to the Humane Animal Rescue, 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

Family and friends will be received on Monday April 1, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., 421 Allegheny Ave. Oakmont, PA 15139.  Burial and service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday April 2, 2024, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Penn Hills.