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Cathy Garrison Obituary
Mountain Lakes
Cathy Garrison, of Mountain Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 with her family by her side.
Cathy was born in Honshu, Japan to Allen and Betty (Roman) Barlow. She spent her early years in Washington DC and most of her adult life was spent in Morris County NJ. She lived in Montville, NJ before moving to Mountain Lakes 22 years ago.
Cathy was a passionate flute teacher and gifted musician. She sang in the Masterwork choir and played the flute with many musical organizations including local orchestras and her flute group Flutatious. She brought her musical skills to St. Peter's church in Mountain Lakes through singing with the choir for 25+ years and leading a youth hand-bell choir. She was a graduate of Lawrence University in Wisconsin with a BA in History and recently completed a second BA in German language from Montclair State University. Cathy loved to travel, spending a few weeks each year in Germany and Austria, backpacking across the countryside and visiting cities to perfect her language skills and follow her passion for history.
Cathy is survived by her beloved husband, John. Her daughter Cindy Donough and her husband, Erik, of Morristown, NJ and her second daughter Leslie Garrison and her husband, Joe Martinez, of Los Gatos, CA. She was a cherished grandmother "Grammy" to both Maggie and Joey. Cathy is also survived by brother, Allen Barlow, his wife Nancy and their son Scott of Budd Lake, NJ as well as her mother Betty Barlow of Hackettstown.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Arrangements in care of the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home of Boonton, NJ. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.codeymackeyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy's Memory should be directed to:
•The St. Peter's Episcopal Church music program at www.stpetersmountainlakes.org 215 Boulevard Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 (indicate Cathy Music Fund in memo)
•The German Department at Montclair State University at X
•The Mental Health Association of Morris County at www.mhamorris.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Eileen Crivelli
December 7, 2016
Kathy was one of my first friends when my family joined St. Peter"s church back in 1984. She and I were confirmed at the same time and were pregnant with our respective daughters Leslie and Jenna. For some reason, cucumbers helped her morning sickness. She was gracious, intelligent and kind and I am sad that I did not know she was ill. We shared a lot of happy times with the ECW and our heartfelt condolences go out to John, Cindy and Leslie and their families.
Justin Larkman
November 29, 2016
Deepest condolences to John, Cindy, Leslie and family. Cathy was a remarkable woman with a strength and fortitude, many of us couldn't carry. Having seen her and had dinner with her and John at our 40th high school reunion just last month, to hear this is more than a stunning shock and send of loss.
While I could not attend the memorial service, I will have fond memories of a fellow classmate and fellow member of the NA chorus under Nick Tino.
John, peace be with you. if you ever need anything, please reach out as I have been there.
Cathy, rest easy
Justin Larkman
November 29, 2016
My deepest condolences to John, Cindy, Leslie and the rest of the family. Having only seen her just last month at our high school reunion, I am absolutely stunned at her sudden passing. She did put up a valiant fight over the past two years.
I will, however, keep fond memories of her, during our time at Newark Academy, including our time in the chorus together, as well as at recent reunions.
Rest easy Cathy.
Jim Rauner
November 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Catherine's laughter brought many smiles to me when you girls were little and I owned Williams Stationery in Del's Village. John please accept my deepest sympathy.
Jim
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E.V. Janopaul
November 28, 2016
Our deepest condolences to John, Cindy, Leslie and their families on their loss.
Cathy was a special light in the lives of all who knew her and St. Peter's was blessed by her endless gifts and contributions.
E.V. , Bob, Alex & Elena
November 27, 2016
Cathy's passing is stunningly sad and hard to believe. She was a positive, brave, and funny spirit who passed through our lives. For me and my family, Cathy will be remembered for her graceful fight to live her life. We wish Cathy's family peace and comfort know she will be thought of often with blessings and thanks.
Heidi, Tim, Genevieve, and Charlotte O'Donnell
November 27, 2016
The realization that Cathy is no longer with us is stunningly sad and hard to believe. She was a brave, positive, and funny spirit that has passed through our lives. For me and my family Cathy will be remembered for her graceful fight to live her life. We wish Cathy's family peace and comfort knowing she will be thought of often, with thanks and blessings.
Heidi, Tim, Genevieve, and Charlotte O'Donnell
Ellen Weygandt
November 27, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family. Hold dear the memories. Give Maggie an extra hug from me.
Barbara Villani-Santoro
November 27, 2016
I knew Cathy in high school (Newark Academy) & most recently, connected with her online, making her "laugh out loud"! By this, I had hoped that small gesture would help her cope w/her "battle".
Technology is awesome; and, the Internet allows us to "connect" with people like never before. But it'll never replace the human "touch", nor the value in it. That passion for the human experience seems like what Cathy influenced ALL others she knew to experience, also.
I will always regret not attending our 40th reunion (as I have battles of my own going on) & seeing Cathy one more time. RIP Cathy. You are in a better place, waiting for us all...!
Francey Kanengiser Burke
November 27, 2016
So deeply saddened to learn about Cathy. We were close friends in high school. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. Her courage was amazing. We were blessed to see her at reunion last month and share her unbelievable spirit. One story I would like to share is while my son and I were on a recent trip through Germany, I was texting her photos of menus for her to translate for us. She helped us along the way, and always with great wit. Deepest condolences to her family.
Don DeFabio
November 27, 2016
Cathy was an inspiration for me through her journey and strength. Always a good time for silly cat videos...... :)
Cindy Pazos-Madan
November 26, 2016
I was lucky to see her recently at our 40th Newark Academy reunion. My condolences to her family. She was a beautiful lady and will be missed.
Don & Diane MacGowan
November 26, 2016
Cathy Garrison was a gem - truly one of a kind. She was the happiest, most positive, and cheerful person we've ever known. It was our pleasure to know her, laugh with her, cry with her, pray with her, make music with her, and be connected in a variety of ways. Life will go on, but a beautiful piece of it will always be missing.
Stacie Noyes Hixson
November 26, 2016
There are so many memories flitting through my mind when I think of Cathy that it is just too difficult to decide where to begin! But, no matter what we were all doing, we were all laughing and having a ball! I am now treasuring the extra time I got to spend with Cathy before and after our recent reunion!! Rest in Peace, my good friend - I will miss you terribly!
Mari Lou Shuster
November 26, 2016
Friends through high school to today, Cathy was much loved by everyone. She loaned me one of her 'spare' flutes so I could try to learn to play it. It took me a week to get it to make noise! But I finally made noise - and something resembling music on occasion. I will miss her humor and friendship, but take comfort knowing that she's watching over us all. RIP dear friend.
Ron and Barbara Owens
November 26, 2016
My life is better having known Cathy Garrison. We laughed often, and we enjoyed sharing jokes. It is comforting to know that she enjoyed the unending love of her husband John, and of her beloved family. R.I.P. Cathy
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