Greensburg cafe to offer visits with adoptable cats, honor late supporter, Ashley Kertes

Sep. 28—Among causes the late Ashley Kertes of Greensburg supported was a local nonprofit that rescues, fosters and completes adoptions of cats in need of good homes.

The former Greensburg Community Development Corp. executive director and Greensburg Salem School District administrator will be remembered Saturday when Greensburg's Cattfeinated Cat Cafe names its cat lounge for her. The lounge is where many of the cats and kittens available for adoption through Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue have met their new owners.

"Ashley was a supporter of our mission and helping cats and kittens in our area, and a supporter of small businesses in Greensburg," said Katelynn Jones, president of the cat rescue group and co-owner of the Cattfeinated Cat Cafe. "We wanted to highlight her life and legacy.

"She was a lover of cats; she had three cats of her own. What better way of honoring her than dedicating our cat rooms to her in memory of all the things she has done for us and our community."

Following a private ceremony for Kertes' family, the public is invited to celebrate her legacy and the cat rescue's achievements from noon to 7 p.m. at the cafe, 159 E. Otterman St.

Those who attend will be able to view a plaque in the lobby dedicating the cat lounge in Kertes' name. The cafe will offer free 15-minute visits with adoptable cats in the lounge.

Beverage specials will be featured and a Kickin Korn Dogs food truck will be on hand at noon.

There will be temporary tattoos and a coloring activity for kids.

"We're also celebrating our 500th cat adoption," Jones said. "A lot of our success stems from Ashley's commitment to us."

Jones said Kertes and her husband, Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes, have volunteered at fundraising events for Wayward Whiskers.

Ashley Kertes died unexpectedly, at 36, on March 24 at her Greensburg home.

At the time of her funeral, her family suggested donations in her memory to the cat rescue group. "The donations were quite substantial," Jones said, noting they have helped to support Wayward Whiskers' newest service, operating a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

The donations also helped cover veterinary costs for two rescued cats that had been severely abused and neglected, Jones said. "We were thankful we had the funding."

"Losing Ashley has resulted in unimaginable pain for our family, but knowing Ashley means knowing she would want us to give meaning to our grief by helping others," said her sister, Christina Gongaware of Greensburg. "Ashley loved animals, especially cats, and knowing her legacy of kindness will support Wayward Whiskers' mission of caring for abandoned cats gives us some solace and rightfully highlights what a meaningful and beautiful life she lived."

"Saturday's event is a reflection of Ashley's kindness, generosity and compassion for her community," Sean Kertes said. "She hated to see any animal suffering or in pain and took steps to ensure Wayward Whiskers would thrive in Greensburg.

"This is an important event for myself and Ashley's family because it shines a light on what a loss our community has suffered, but also allows everyone to see what she stood for and gives them a chance to spread that kindness to others who need it most."

"There were plenty of times (Ashley) found a cat and came to us to get it the medical attention it might need, so it could be adopted out to a good home," said Gabrielle Stewart of Greensburg, a Wayward Whiskers volunteer.

Jones said Kertes, in her leadership role with the Greensburg Community Development Corp., offered guidance on resources Jones could seek as she and her husband, Rob, started the Cattfeinated Cat Cafe business in 2019.

"She was the first person to reach out to us to help make our vision a reality, and she was with us every step of the way," said Jones.

Ashley Kertes is credited with leading development of a Covid-19 Relief Main Street Jump-Start Program that offered grants to small businesses in Greensburg that were struggling during the pandemic.

"She wanted to see businesses and organizations have success and make Greensburg a place people want to visit," Jones said.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .