Obituary of Shirley Anne Cattabiani

Shirley Anne (Bruno) Cattabiani, age 65, died on Sunday, April 20th, 2008 at her home in Albuquerque, NM. Born in Pittsburgh, PA., she had resided in Watchung for 10 years, Warren for several years, San Diego for 8 years before moving to Albuquerque, NM to spend time with her grandchildren. While a resident of Watchung, Shirley was a member of the Watchung Rescue Squad, serving as an EMT. She served as Sergeant, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain. She received every award given by the WRS Outstanding New Member, Outstanding Member, Top Responder, CPR saves, Captains award and Distinguished Member award. She served as a CPR instructor providing CPR to the Watchung Police and Fire Departments. She was also a member of the Warren First Aid Squad and was actively involved in rescue activities there. Instrumental in forming the Joint Extrication Team, which involved the Rescue Squad and Fire Department members. She also was a CPR instructor in San Diego. Shirley was responsible for pioneering the first Tree of Lights in Watchung in 1990, which has become an annual event. She served as chairperson for this event for five years. She served on the Recreation Commission and chaired the annual Memorial Day Picnic for several years. She made handcrafted dollhouses for the Autistic Childrens Hospital in San Diego. She loved gardening, watching humming birds, being outside and living life to the fullest. Predeceased by her husband Eugene Cattabiani. Surviving are her son Chester Allan of Albuquerque, NM; her daughter Michelle Shellie Bruno of Bradenton, FL; 2 grandchildren Brianne and Michael Allan; her sisters Dorothy Pesto of San Diego, CA.; Barbara Bruno of Bisbee, AZ.; Marietta Wagner of Phoenix, AZ.; Janice Lowenberg of St. Louis, MO. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung followed by a service at St. Marys Stony Hill Mausoleum. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Watchung Rescue Squad, 10 Stirling Road, Watchung, NJ 07069.