It is with great sadness that the family of Catherine Mallon announces her passing at home in Warwick on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, after a long illness.
The daughter of Joseph and Marian (nee Sweeney) Walsh, she was born on June 9, 1931 in Flushing and grew up in Bayside, Queens.
Catherine attended the Mary Louis Academy, graduated from Fordham University, and began her teaching career in Bayside. After marrying and moving to Sayville, she taught in Islip until her first child was born.
Holding her baby, she said she realized that raising children was what she was meant to do.
She was an extraordinary mother to her six children. Patient, gentle, and supportive, she was also endlessly creative. She could draw, sing and play the piano. She invented games, made costumes and theater props, and read hundreds of books to her children.
A talented seamstress, Catherine made clothes for herself, her children, and their dolls, including a black suit and gold bow tie for a troll doll. Her children’s friends were always welcome in her home, and her own kids weren’t the only ones who called her Mom.
Her interests were many. She loved to read and was an excellent cook. Her taste in music ranged from Glenn Miller to Three Dog Night; she loved “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog” (“Joy to the World”). Her favorite movies included “The Bells of St. Mary’s” and “Dirty Dancing.”
She enjoyed filet mignon as much as she enjoyed hot dogs. Go figure.
Above all, Catherine was enormously kind, loving and selfless. She was deeply devoted to her family and had many dear friends.
Catherine is survived by her children: Carol of Middletown, Pa.; Mark of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Chris and his wife Janet of Putnam Station; Michael and his wife Teresa of Chester; Mary of Warwick; and Tom and his wife Tammy of Appleton. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Natasha of Albuquerque, N.M., David of Syracuse, Daniel of Lancaster, Pa., Amy of Enterprise, Alabama, Brendan of Boston, Mass., Catherine and Meghan of Appleton: great granddaughter Kaleigh of Albuquerque, N.M., and a great grandson on the way. She also leaves her beloved siblings Alice Sweeney of Baldwin, Joseph Walsh and his wife Melba of Springfield, Va., and sister-in-law Eileen Walsh of Dobbs Ferry; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 62 years, Bernard, her sister Marion Bray and her husband, Thomas, and her brother Richard Walsh.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Orange and Sullivan and Mom’s caregivers Erin, Toni, Megan, Shannon, Allie and especially Pat, who became an honorary member of the Mallon family, helping Mom through many difficult times during her last years.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Stephen the First Martyr Church when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, 4600 Devitt Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45246.
Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service. To leave a condolence, please call 845-977-6127 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.