Cathy Jean Neri

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cathy J. (Secor) Neri, cherished wife, loving mother and grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Cathy passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026 at the age of 79. Cathy will be remembered for her quiet strength, resilience, kindness, love for all animals, and devotion to her family.

Cathy was born December 19, 1946, in Everett, MA, the third child to Ralph and Emilie (Glynn) Secor. She attended school in Saugus, MA until High School when her family moved to Dover, NH, where she attended and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 1964.

She was the beloved wife of Philip J. Neri. They married in January 1971 and together they raised their family in Dover, NH. Cathy worked as a secretary at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard while her children were young. She then went on to be the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Life Science and Agriculture at UNH for over 25 years before retiring.

Cathy was a quiet and kind woman who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She had an unassuming and dry sense of humor. She was an active participant in her children's lives and activities, including the elementary PTO, and attending sports games, chorus and band concerts. Cathy was a wonderful cook and baker, with whoopie pies and blondie brownies being her signature treats. Cathy loved being outdoors, tending to her herb garden, plants and flowers, reading on her glider in the backyard, and taking day trips to NH State Lakes and White Mountain attractions. She loved to read, knit, do needlework, counted cross stitch, and in retirement, work on jigsaw puzzles. Cathy was an animal lover, and throughout her life she fondly cared for many cats, dogs, grand-dogs, birds, fish, guinea pigs, and a rabbit. She enjoyed traveling, with her favorite trips being to Bermuda, Ireland, England, Italy, and Nova Scotia. Above all else, Cathy cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Cathy is preceded by her husband Philip Neri, brother John Secor, and infant granddaughter Lilah Neri. She is survived by daughters Kendra Bigelow and husband Brian, Deanna Aho and husband Caleb, granddaughters Lauren and Hannah; sons Graig Neri and wife Rachel, grandchildren Emilie and Jaxon, Blake Neri and wife Alison, grandchildren Everly and Ty; brother Richard Secor and his wife Melissa; brother-in- law Alan Neri, sisters-in-law Linda Neri, Ann Marie Neri and Sue Neri, nephews Scot Neri, Christopher Neri, Glen Secor, and nieces Heidi Coen and Traci Britten.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Pines at Newmarket and Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care, patience, comfort, and dignity shown to Cathy during her time with them.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Tuesday, March 10th 2026, from 4:30-6:30PM at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820. A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, March 11th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 25 Chestnut Street, Dover, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society - Cocheco Valley in Dover, NH.