Catherine McElroy

1932 - 2025

Catherine McElroy

August 18, 1932 - March 19, 2025

On March 19, 2025, Catherine Mary McElroy passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Catherine was anything but ordinary, so it only makes sense to write this obituary in an unusual way.

For those of you who did not have the pleasure of knowing her, Catherine was the life of every party she attended and the center of attention in every room she entered. She had a remarkable ability to bring joy and laughter wherever she went, and her light and energy shined brighter than any this writer has ever observed.

Catherine was born on August 18, 1932, in Atlantic City to Alice (née Moore) and Albert Lodovico. Catherine attended Our Lady Star of the Sea School, and graduated from Holy Spirit High School, class of 1951. In 1954, she met and married the love of her life, Andrew F. McElroy, Jr., who predeceased her on April 12, 2021. Catherine and Andy raised and nurtured four children together in Margate. Catherine was extraordinarily close to her eight grandchildren, and lucky enough to know six of her great grandchildren.

Catherine was vivacious, a ball of energy, captivatingly charming, brutally honest, fiercely loyal, wildly funny-both intentionally and unintentionally--and the definition of a good time. Catherine loved great food, traveling the world, dancing, shopping and everything Italian, including being Italian. Beneath her tell-tale self-deprecating humor was an extremely intelligent and knowledgeable woman with a passion for art, architecture, design and history, and an infatuation with all things Hollywood. Catherine was an excellent source of any and all information regarding anything from old movies and golden age movie stars to the latest pop gossip-particularly if it involved the second love of her life, James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (from Outlander).

Whether it be through the Boardwalk Runners or as an unmistakable fixture at the JCC, Catherine was easily the most popular person in all the fitness groups she took part in-you just had to ask her. She thoroughly enjoyed entertaining members of her kickboxing, yoga, and Pilates classes well into her late eighties, and making sure everyone knew she was still the most flexible class member.

Catherine's power and impact is best evidenced through her relationships with all of her children and grandchildren. Catherine was an extraordinary mother, a champion for all of her children, and an amazing friend. She was deeply involved in her children's lives whether it be through the PTA, or running the hotdog stand for the Margate Colts (despite her self-proclaimed hatred for all things football).

Catherine is survived by her children, Dr. Andrew F. McElroy III (Lili), Michael J. McElroy (Susan), Maryann McElroy (it's complicated), and her oldest daughter and best friend, Carol A. Savio (Jim). Catherine. Mimi is also survived by her eight grandchildren who brought her endless joy, Kelsey Moyer R.N. (Mike), Dr. Andrew F. McElroy IV (Amanda), Dr. Travis McElroy (Olivia), Samantha E. O'Brian, R.N. (Shaun), Catherine A. Savio, Esq. (Timothy), James M. Savio, Esq. (Gab), Megan Conover (Dylan), and Molly Kinghorn. G-Mimi also was blessed to know six of her great-grandchildren, Callum and Kane Conover, Adelina O'Brien, Roman Moyer, Ella Catherine Sullivan and Drew McElroy.

Family gatherings will never be the same without Catherine's endless entertainment. Having her as a mother, and a grandmother, has been the blessing of our lives. She has left us no other option but to keep her with us, every single day, for the rest of our lives. She was loved beyond words.

The family is having a private celebration of Catherine's life but invites all that had the honor of knowing her to raise their glasses, make a joke, dance, laugh and party in her memory-she would have it no other way.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Organization. It is our family's hope that one day a cure will be found for this horrible disease.

Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home

228 Infield Ave., Northfield, NJ 08225