Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Catherine (Cait/Cathy) Mary Mahoney, whose heart was as expansive as her joyful spirit. Cait passed away on March 25, 2024 at the age of 66 in Scranton, PA. Born to Joan Marie and Carl James Mahoney on St. Patrick’s Day in 1958, in Glen Ridge, NJ, Cait’s journey was one of boundless love, adventure, and the kind of laughter that stays with you. Her life was a testament to the power of family, the warmth of an open home, and the simple, profound joys brought by her cherished family and pets.

She received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Wells College, and a master’s degree from Golden Gate University in systems management. Cait proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Captain, and earning numerous medals for her service. After her military career, she resigned to focus on raising her growing family. Cait went on to nurture her four children as a single mother while working various jobs. In her later years, she was employed by the Department of Defense, where she was recognized for her contributions to the defense travel system.

Cait was the matriarch of a family defined not just by its human members but by the array of animals that filled her home with additional love and a bit of welcomed chaos. Her home was a place for family gatherings, where cooking, laughter, and card games were abundant, and her pets were beloved characters in the family’s story. Her pets, from the dogs- Peaches, Jimmy, Murphy, and the fondly remembered Rooney-to the cats, Jingles and Holly, and the chickens, all added a touch of whimsy and joy to her daily life. Each pet, in their own way, reflected aspects of Cait’s spirit: playful, loving, and always a source of comfort.

Cait’s siblings-Andy (Sharon), Mary Ann (Victor), and Chris (Ginger)- and her children, Kerrigan (Paul), Patrick, Jessica (Matt), and Jack (Sarah), were the core of her world. She welcomed her children’s spouses into the fold with open arms, treating them as her own, and shared her love for life’s adventures, big and small, with her family. Also part of Cait’s wider circle of love were her nieces and nephews, Molly (Brian), Connor (Torre), and Bailey (Draper).

We will celebrate Cait’s life at The Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA, on Saturday, April 27 from 1-4 pm. Starting at 2 pm, we’ll come together to share stories and cherish the memories that Cait left with us. In the spirit of her vibrant personality, we invite you to wear bright colors. For your convenience, a set of rooms has been reserved at Courtyard Dulles Town Center under ‘Mahoney.’ Please click here <https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1712154204793&key=GRP&app=resvlink> to make your room reservations by Friday, April 12.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of “Cait Mahoney” can be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter (click here) <https://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/memorial> and would honor Cait’s lifelong kindness and compassion. Her legacy inspires us to cherish every moment and embrace our loved ones, be they human or animal.