Kathleen A. Magbag

Kathleen A. Magbag, 74, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Born in Meadville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Gelvin and Geraldine (Dillen) Ciu. After Geraldine passed away from illness when Kathy was a baby, her father later married Rose Nacco. She was previously married to the late Emmanuel Magbag and to the late Michael Frantz. Kathy graduated from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Erie and enjoyed a varied and rewarding career as a Registered Nurse for 46 years before retiring in 2017. Her professional journey included positions at the Cleveland Clinic, as a charge nurse at a hospital in West Virginia, as a psychiatric nurse at the VA Hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio, and at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, where she worked on 3 East and later in auditing. She concluded her career with more than 20 years as a case manager specializing in orthopedic workers’ compensation injuries. She is survived by her son, Ryan Magbag; granddaughter, Lexie Thomas; sister, Tina Steffen; niece, Kayla Steffen; Tina’s mother-in-law, Nancy Steffen; brother, Frank Ciu; and her husband, Michael Lepore. She is also survived by many dear friends, including the Conahan family, who “adopted” her in the 1990s, and Dan Sanders and Mark Espie. Kathy was a very special lady who lived a rich and meaningful life. She could strike up a conversation with anyone—and usually did! Her friends fondly described her as having “an engaging, bright, fun personality,” “a warm, cheerful way of relating to everyone,” and “a genuine spirit filled with kindness.” Others remembered her as “a loyal friend who listened and gave sound advice,” “a bright star with a sparkle in her eyes,” and “a lively, supportive presence who brought joy wherever she went.” More than one friend has asked, “What are we going to do without her?” She was always tastefully—often brightly—attired, and impeccably accessorized. A talented cook, she learned from her Italian mother and grandmothers and had a gift for creating delicious meals without recipes, relying on intuition and creativity. She was always thinking of the next meal or “concoction.” Kathy loved watching the birds at her backyard feeder and birdbath—affectionately calling them “the kids.” She also had a fondness for flamingos. She was once part-owner of a dance studio in Ohio, enjoyed opera, and loved reading and listening to audiobooks during her travels for work. Blessed with a green thumb, Kathy still cared for a houseplant she had purchased for her first apartment after nursing school—thriving even at the time of her passing. She delighted in wine tastings in the Finger Lakes, Virginia, and at the St. Michaels, Maryland Wine Festival. She was also an avid traveler, visiting the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, the Netherlands, the Florida Keys, the Western United States, the Czech Republic, Paris, and several European river cruises. Most recently, in March, she and Mike traveled to France on a pilgrimage to numerous shrines and historic sites. A woman of faith, Kathy volunteered at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church as an usher and in many parish activities. She also volunteered as a greeter at the Fulton Theatre and with the Lancaster Public Library at the Juliana Bookstore, book sales, and jewelry fundraisers—always bringing enthusiasm and joy to her service. She loved visiting national monuments, presidential homes, and Frank Lloyd Wright houses. The evening before her passing, she attended a play in Gettysburg, and the following day, she helped at the new parishioners’ dinner at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Celebration of Life will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325; St. Leo the Great School, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601; or Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Please mention Kathleen’s name when making a donation