Delores J. Leatherman

Delores J. Leatherman, 83, of Portage, PA, formerly a long-time Sellersville resident, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Johnstown.

She was the beloved wife of the late Robert H. Leatherman for 57 years until his death in 2023.

Born in Portage (Cambria County), Delores was the daughter of the late Emil and Sarah (Baith) Cerwensky. Delores was a graduate of Portage High School, Class of 1959.

As a younger woman, Mrs. Leatherman had been employed as a bank supervisor in Doylestown.

Delores was a long-time member of St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Perkasie.

Dedicated to serving the community, Delores had volunteered with the Samuel Pierce Free Library and the Perkasie Carousel. She was also extremely active with the Grand View Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, working in the hospital gift shop and helping to manage their Recovery Room Thrift Shop.

Delores was also a member of the Sellersville Historical & Achievement Authority, the governing body of the Sellersville Museum, where she devoted countless hours to organizing displays and, particularly, coordinating the annual Christmas Tree Forest during the town’s Winterfest celebration. She also served for many years as the Authority’s Corresponding Secretary.

An adventurous traveler, Delores had enjoyed visits to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Germany, and Switzerland. Over the years, she had also toured Mexico, Alaska, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

A voracious reader, avid gardener, and talented crafter, especially needlepoint, Delores was a dedicated “Cat Whisperer,” always ready to rescue, foster, and (often) keep the latest addition to the brood.

Everyone’s favorite aunt, Delores was also a loving, devoted friend to numerous acquaintances who cherished her cheery phone calls, her frequent notes and cards, and her straightforward, practical “Delores- take” on life. Her warmth, generosity of spirit, forthright determination, and unfailing good humor will be sorely missed.

Delores is survived by her siblings: Joann Sclimenti and her husband, Jim, of Utah; Amy Phillips and her husband, Barry, of Illinois; Sally Chirdon and her husband, George, of Portage; Leo “Fred” Cerwensky and his wife, Judy, of Portage; Patricia Scott and her husband, Stuart, of Sidman, PA; Diane Rasmussen and her husband, John, of Portage; Debbie Bressler and her husband, Jeff, of California; and Yvonne Galan, of Portage. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, countless former colleagues and friends, and the current “family” of nine cats and kittens.

A Memorial Service in Portage is scheduled for October 27. A Graveside Service in Perkasie will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mrs. Leatherman’s name may be made to The Sellersville Historical and Achievement Authority c/o Sellersville Borough, 140 E. Church St., Sellersville, PA 18960 or The Perkasie Carousel c/o The Perkasie Historical Society, 513 W. Walnut St., Perkasie, PA 18944, or the Samuel Pierce Branch, Bucks County Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave., Perkasie, PA 18944.