Katherine True

Katherine True, 84, of Lancaster, passed away on October 7, 2025, at her home. She was the loving wife of the late Peter True who passed away on June 1, 2024. Born in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late, George and Henriette (Ansell) Buck.

True began her career in public service when she founded Kids Saving Kids, a nationally recognized drug-education program for elementary students. She was a Member of the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth and served as Youth Director for Pennsylvanians AWARE, a statewide drug and alcohol prevention coalition.

Her work in the community, combined with service as a Republican Committee woman, eventually led to a political career. True was first elected to represent the 37th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1992. She served in that position until 2000, when she left the House to run for Pennsylvania Auditor General.

After two years leading the PA Commission for Women, True returned to the State House in 2002, this time representing the 41st district whose constituents she served for eight years. Among the True sponsored legislation that became law are:

• Act 33 of 2008, which requires the state Department of Public Welfare to scrutinize any case in which a child dies or nearly dies when abuse is suspected.
• Act 139 of 2006, which imposes stiff criminal penalties for human trafficking for forced labor or services.
• Act 66 of 2005, which gives judges the power to seize all firearms from an individual against whom a protection-from-abuse order has been filed. The law establishes a system of accountability for the weapons and penalizes those who take advantage of the system.
• Act 188 of 2004, which allows victims of domestic violence a legal substitute address that can be used to fulfill the address requirements of court and government records.
• Act 21 of 2004, which allows a 30-day revocation period in which a birth mother or father can revoke their consent for adoption.

In 2011, Governor Tom Corbett named True as Commissioner of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Pennsylvania Department of State and then later called upon her to be his Legislative Secretary, where she served until her retirement.

She is survived by children, Peter (husband of Kendra), Christian (husband of Jen), Colin (husband of Carli), Eric (husband of Ruthann), Sean (husband of Lori) and Kevin (husband of Ann). Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Per Katie’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the https://www.pabreastcancer.org/donate. Cards may be sent to 107 Hillside Road, Harrisburg, PA 17104.