IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Cora Ethel
"Toot" (Devine) Lutz
September 26, 1927 – November 24, 2025
Cora Ethel "Toot" Lutz, 98, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Hospice and Community Care of Mount Joy. She was the devoted wife of the late Leo Edward Lutz, who preceded her in death in 1981.
Born at home in Wrightsville on September 26, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester F. "Bud" and Anna (Scantling) Devine. Her life was guided by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep, steady love for her family.
"Toot" and her husband, Leo, worked hand in hand running Lutz's Café—a place remembered fondly as a warm gathering spot for friends and neighbors. After her time at the café, Cora spent many years as a presser and floor girl for the former Kahn Lucas in Columbia. Following Kahn Lucas closing, she worked in the cafeteria at St. Peter School into her 70s. She loved being around the kids. She also loved to look out her kitchen window to see the kids at recess at Holy Trinity School. She became known for her famous Lutz's pizza. She continued making it well into her 90s for friends, family, and local clubs.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Altar Rosary Society. She especially treasured helping with the church's fastnacht sale, rolling dough with joy and dedication year after year.
To so many in Columbia, she was simply "Nan Lutz"—a name spoken with affection and gratitude. She loved traveling with her husband throughout the U.S. and Canada, creating memories she carried with her always. Summers in Cameron County, spent at the Bear Paw Rod and Gun Club where Leo was a founding member, held a special place in her heart.
Most of all, her heart belonged to her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At family reunions everyone flocked to mom's homemade crab balls and chocolate cake. Mom passed her love for cooking and baking on to her children. Her family will forever miss her strong but gentle spirit, her comforting meals, and the love she wove into every part of their lives.
"Toot" is survived by six children: Leo S. Lutz, husband of Kathleen, of Columbia; Donna M. Haug, wife of the late Ray Haug, of Galeton; Thomasine E. Lutz, companion of James "Bo" Ortman of Washington Boro; Susan L. Mattern of Columbia; Carol A. Ortman, wife of Ken P. Ortman, Jr., of Washington Boro; and Karen M. Lutz, and her companion Jay Caudill of Wrightsville. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Boswa, wife of the late John Boswa, of Wrightsville and Eleanor Weisser, wife of the late John Weisser, of Columbia and her daughter in law Stephanie Hines, and her husband Noah. She was preceded in death by two sons, David E. Lutz and Brian S. "Diddy Bop" Lutz and a sister Barbara Shultz.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Holy Trinity Church, 4th and Cherry Streets, Columbia, with Father Mark Wilke as Celebrant. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to Mass. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia, PA 17512 or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.
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