Catherina Mordecai

Catherina Ann Pirulli Mordecai
September 30, 1963 - November 27, 2025
Catherine, 62, of Guilford, went to the table of the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, surrounded by her loving family at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Bridgeport, CT to the late Sante and Rosa Bozzi Pirulli. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Stephen Mordecai and her most cherished children, Kyle Mordecai of Guilford and Kelly Mordecai, (Connor) of Baltimore, MD; her siblings, Maria Cajigas, (Daniel), Lisa Morales, (Damaso Jr.), and Leonard Pirulli; her brother and sisters in-laws, Tom Mordecai, Laurie Fasano, (Dante), Mary Beth Mordecai, (Michael), Chris Mordecai and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her father and mother in-law, George and Evelyn Mordecai, her brother and sisters in law, George Mordecai, Ellen Jardine, Barbara Imbriglio; her beloved nephew, Joseph Cajigas and recently passed cousins Dino and Mario Pirulli.
Catherine was a retired early education teacher in the Bridgeport school system for 40 years, where she was awarded teacher of the year. She shaped countless children's lives with her passion and love of teaching, dedicating special attention and projects to her students, including cooking an entire Thanksgiving dinner for her classroom and their parents. A lifelong athlete, she enjoyed playing softball, volleyball and bocce, and supported her children and friends by attending as many of their sport events as she could, and travelled with her family to cheer on their favorite teams. Her cancer journey was fought through her faith. She inspired all with her love and faith in the Lord, where she served as Eucharist minister at St. George Church in Guilford. Catherine impacted everyone she interacted with by making them feel special and loved! Whether she was racing to her events, sending cards to everyone she knew that she signed with "Love and Smiles" or baking her famous chocolate chip cookies she shared with all.
The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Griffin Hospital and Dr. Lustberg and her team at Yale for their care for the past 3 1/2+ years.
Catherine wishes for all to show the brightness and happiness she brought to each of our lives in a celebration of life at the wake by wearing something showing the sunshine she brought to all.
Calling Hours will be Sunday from 4-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. Friends are invited to go directly to St. George's Church in Guilford on Monday morning for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via check, to Joseph Cajigas Memorial Scholarship Fund. We are in the process of creating a Catherine Mordecai Scholarship fund to provide support to the Bridgeport Early Childhood Development program. Checks can be made out to Stephen Mordecai who will be sure to direct the funds appropriately.