Obituary of Catherine Messinger
November 10, 1950 – October 14, 2022
Catherine Linda Messinger, affectionately known as Cathy, passed away on October 14, 2022, due to complications of a brain aneurysm, at the age of 71. She was born on November 8, 1950, in New York City, to Edward and Liliane Mazurowski. She grew up in New York City and every summer, Cathy and her brother Paul traveled to Paris for three months at a time, where her French grandmother “Meme” lived. She loved and was very close to her grandmother, who she visited at least once a year until her death. Her mother Liliane was native to Paris, France, and Cathy was fluent in French and English.
She continued her schooling at Brooklyn College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude). Later, she went on to graduate with a Masters of Business Administration, emphasis in Marketing, from Columbia University. She had a successful career as a consultant for Siemens and BD Benefits, where she traveled between the United States and Europe several times a year for marketing-related projects.
Cathy lived and remained in Millstone Township, New Jersey for at least 20 years with her husband Garth, the love of her life, who passed away due to colon cancer. She retired early, so she could care for her two elderly parents until they died. Cathy always prioritized her family values, and was a beacon of strength throughout the end of her parents' lives.
Cathy enjoyed gardening, as she built a robust and well-curated garden and greenhouse in her backyard, where she was constantly growing lily varieties from all over the world. She was extremely passionate about the well-being of vulnerable animals, but she especially loved her pets, Lady the dog and Sonny the cat, who have now been adopted by her niece, Lauren. Cathy’s favorite time of the year was Christmas, and she would set up four beautifully decorated trees around the house in the spirit of the season.
While she was an incredibly smart and strong-willed woman who valued her independence, Cathy was also compassionate, generous, vibrant, funny, and fiercely loving. Catherine will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, and we will take inspiration in her accomplishments for a life well-lived. She is survived by her nephews Michael and Mark, her niece Lauren, and her sister-in-law Maria.
