Katharine Ruckel Mase

Katharine "Kathy" Mase, age 76, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away at home peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Kathy was born on Saturday, June 11, 1949, in Yonkers, New York to the late Raymond James Ruckel and Virginia Mary (Dunne) Ruckel. Kathy earned a degree in mathematics from the College (now University) of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx in 1971. In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her siblings: James Raymond Ruckel and Dorothy (Ruckel) Skidmore.

Kathy’s survivors include her husband of nearly 55 years, Randolph "Randy" Mase; her two children: Donald Mase and wife, Robin, of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Jennifer Siegel and husband, Matthew, of Ashburn, Virginia; her two beloved grandsons: Evan Siegel and Noah Siegel; her two sisters: Anne McCarthy of Lake Wylie, South Carolina and Janet Ruckel and husband, Donald Fleming, of Ossining, New York; and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Kathy's interests and hobbies are too numerous to list - but above all she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Kathy adored her family, including many Siamese cats over the years. She was an avid collector of many things such as teddy bears, dolls, and unique home decorations. Kathy will be remembered for being the magic behind the family Christmas, and she filled her home with decorations and joy for every holiday. In support of these hobbies, boosting the local economy (shopping) was another keen interest of Kathy's.

When it was time to take a break from the family and cats, her first travel choice was always Hawaii to enjoy the beach, the sun, and to boost that local economy. Kathy's most frequent recent travels took her to the Washington, DC area to shower adoration on her grandsons, and they always loved to see "Nama." 

We all miss you, Kathy / mom / aunt / Nama.

Inurnment in the Columbarium at West Point, New York will take place on a date to be determined.

While Kathy’s family will not be accepting flowers, they invite those wishing to celebrate Kathy’s life to make memorial contributions to American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, https://www.cancer.org/donate.

Kathy’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Kathy’s full obituary, view her photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.