Catherine Master, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning, January 14, 2021, at Vintage Knolls in Danville, PA. She was a loving mother, fabulous pianist, music teacher, and a very happy, sweet soul. She was beloved by her family and was a favorite of her caregivers.
Catherine was born in Altoona, PA on December 31, 1923, to Nicholas Antonio Notopoulos and Evangeline Notopoulos. She was a member of the Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where her father served as cantor. She often sang in the church choir and later played piano or organ there. She was a graduate of Eastman School of Music and Juilliard School of Music. An accomplished pianist and sensitive accompanist, she performed with chamber music ensembles in Altoona and accompanied violinist John P. Master, who she later married. Wherever they moved, whether it was in Altoona, Connecticut, West Virginia, Philadelphia, Lake Charles Louisiana, or finally Bloomsburg, PA, Catherine would teach music, sometimes in public schools, but mostly taught private piano lessons in her home. She would accompany her husband on piano or harpsichord for his many solo recitals and played violin or viola in the College Community Orchestra which her husband conducted. She would also accompany a string quartet made up of her husband and two daughters. Many area children learned to play the piano under her patient guidance. Catherine and her husband traveled together all over the world, and relocated to Florida for a significant portion of their retirement. They eventually moved back to Bloomsburg to be closer to family.
Catherine was predeceased by her parents, brother, and her husband John who passed away in August of 2020. She is survived by daughter, Gretchen Knittle, son in law Phillip Knittle and two grandsons, Kyle and Zachary, and daughter, Cathie Jo Brun, son in law Milivoj Brun and two granddaughters Tina and Sonja. She will be sorely missed.
Graveside services will be held privately in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Altoona, PA. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Streets, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Master family.
Memorial contributions in Catherine's name are suggested to: Animal Resource Center, PO Box 439 Bloomsburg, PA 17815.