Catherine Ann Critelli of Mahwah, NJ passed away on July 6, 2024, surrounded by her family in her final days.  She was born on January 20, 1956, in Jersey City, NJ. Cathy was an exceptionally intelligent woman who excelled academically graduating with honors from Milford High School in Connecticut and earning a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in Political Science from the University of New Haven in Connecticut in 1978 where she served as president of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

She pursued a legal career, enrolling at Temple University School of Law in Philadelphia, PA where she enjoyed a semester of study at Athens University School of Law in Greece. Graduating at the top of her class in 1981 with a J.D. from Temple University School of Law, she specialized in Maritime Law. She practiced law in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, holding senior positions, including Vice President and Senior Attorney. Catherine was widely recognized as an expert in her field.

Cathy retired early and dedicated her time to her beloved family and cherished birds. A passionate animal lover, she supported numerous animal charities and became a beloved aunt to everyone's pets, always arriving with toys in hand. She also enjoyed scuba diving, ice skating, and swimming. One of her fondest experiences was swimming with dolphins.

We will remember Cathy for her intelligence, boundless generosity, and remarkable talent for choosing the perfect, unique gifts, always beautifully wrapped and cherished. As a special aunt, she adored her nieces and nephews, often babysitting them when they were younger. Cathy was a devoted friend to her brothers, offering support and a compassionate ear. A great listener, she genuinely cared about helping others with their problems. She loved staying informed about current events, reading the newspaper cover to cover, and engaging in conversations about anything happening in the world. We will deeply miss our long discussions, the times we spent together at our homes, hanging out, watching shows, and especially celebrating the holidays.

She is survived by her father, Frank (Doris) Critelli, brothers Tom and Stephen (Linda) Critelli, and stepsisters, Renee (Doug) Nelson and Holly (Bob) Piscatelli.  Her nieces and nephews include Jessica, Megan, and Sean (Tom Critelli), Stephen (Stephen Critelli), Moses (Holly Piscatelli), Chad, Holly, Hannah, Samuel, Caleb, Joshua and Charity (Renee Nelson), and Great niece and nephew, Abigale (Jessica Critelli) and Jason (Megan Brown).  She is pre-deceased by her mother, Ann Pearl Coppinger.

Funeral Services on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at TJ McGowan Funeral Home, 133 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY, 9 AM Viewing, 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 115 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery on 9W in Haverstraw and a Repass luncheon at the Fireside Steak Pub, 84 N Liberty Dr. (9W) in Stony Point, NY