Catherine Susan "Cathy" Pielmeier
May 17, 1952 ~ October 7, 2020
Catherine Susan Pielmeier (nee Hanlein), 68, passed away on October 7, 2020 after fighting a valiant battle against esophageal cancer. Cathy died peacefully in her sleep at home with family at her side.
Cathy graduated from St. Mary’s College and began a 32-year career teaching elementary art in St. Mary’s County Public Schools, primarily at Piney Point Elementary School. She took great pride in designing art projects that were original, educational, and enjoyable to her students.
An avid outdoors person, Cathy enjoyed spending time bicycling, hiking, skiing, swimming, boating, and wind-surfing. She was an adventurist at heart that delighted doing zip-lining, parasailing, and taking rides in helicopters. Cathy went on many ocean cruises and loved vacationing at the beach and collecting sea shells and sea glass.
Cathy is survived by her husband Mark Pielmeier, her mother Mary Jane Hanlein of Silver Spring, MD, her brother Alvin Hanlein II of Silver Spring, MD, her sisters Carole Hanlein of Asheville, NC, and Claire Hanlein of Silver Spring, MD. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Adele Biancareli of Silver Spring, MD, five nephews, and her step-daughter Sara Piddington of Midland, VA. Cathy is pre-deceased by her father Alvin Hanlein and her brothers Christopher Hanlein and Charles Hanlein.
Funeral services will be private with a Life Celebration to be scheduled at a later date.
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Cathy was an amazing art teacher at Piney Point Elementary. I was impressed with her creative ideas, and her ability to teach the students how to bring her ideas to life. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work with her. When she was at Piney Point, I ate lunch with her often and loved hearing about her travels and seeing the beautiful pictures that she took while cruising.
Ms. Pielmeier was my art teacher at PPES many years ago and then she was my son’s art teacher! She also attended the same church as us and always had a smile to share. We will surely miss seeing her at Mass. I know she is pain free now. I am thankful for the time she gave to the students at PPES and pray for comfort and peace for her family!
Mrs. Pielmeier was my daughter’s art teacher all through elementary School, and mentor. After her fifth grade graduation she continued speaking with her throughout middle school and some high school. They were pen pals. I truly believe she inspired Amber with her journey and love of art. We truly are blessed to have known such a wonderful human being.
You were one of my favorite teachers as a child. I always looked forward to your class and I’d run up to hug you in the hallways. Rest peacefully, Mrs Pielmeier. I’ll never forget you.
You’ve left this earth way too soon; may the heavens embrace you with eternal life. I enjoyed my visits with you at your Mom’s house, down at McKay’s beach and on a skiing adventure years ago. We shared a love for art and nature; I will always think of you when a lady bug visits me, a beautiful work of natural art in itself. Sharing a picture from the last time I saw you at your Mom’s birthday party. Rest In Peace, Cathy.
When I think of Aunt Cathy, I think of her spunk, goofy humor, holiday style, convertibles, and of course, ladybugs! She always had all sorts of ladybug-themed EVERYTHING, and ladybugs always made me think of her. I was touched when the day after she passed a ladybug landed on my hand to say hello before flying off. Could just be a coincidence, but I like to think that it was Aunt Cathy was saying “hi” from the other side. In any case, anytime a ladybug buzzes by, it’ll always be Aunt Cathy flying free to me.
It has been a pleasure having the Hanleins as my “second family”. Cathy, you were always the quiet one, but even in you quietness you showed kindness and consideration. You always wanted to know how others were doing, showing genuine concern and caring. Of course, there was that one time when you laughed so hard when I fell off the water skis and you took your time pulling me into the boat leaving me in the water with the sea nettles! I’m sure my memory is faulty because I really can’t imagine you did that, but I enjoyed teasing you about it! Yes, your true character was kindness. You were taken from us all too soon. Rest in peace.
Mrs. Pielmeier was the best art teacher and person I’ve ever met. She was my art teacher in elementary school and still remembered me in passing. She called me her lady bug. To this lady when I see lady bugs I think of her. She will never truly know the impact she had on my life but I am so greatful I got the pleasure of knowing her. She will be greatly missed.
Mrs.Pielmeier was one of the best people to come into my life. She taught me everything from my primary colors to using clay. She even taught me how to draw trees, and to this day when I’m drawing them I think of her. She used to sing the song 3 blind mice in class with us. She was a lovely teacher and a wonderful woman.
Cathy was a wonderful woman. She was a good neighbor and friend, checking on me and bringing cookies. I will never forget our long conversations and her fun working out side in her garden and flowers. She loved nature and was a great artist. I miss her but know she is loving God’s art. Thank you Cathy. Love, Aggie