Barbara Cathone, 87, of Pelham Manor, New York, passed away on January 13, 2025. She was born in Yonkers, New York, to Joseph and Anne Suchy, and was the second of four children. Raised in the Bronx, Barbara attended Villa Maria Academy before furthering her education at St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana, where she earned a degree in education. Later, she received her Master’s degree in Education from Columbia University.
Barbara met her future husband, Anthony Cathone, on a blind date. The couple married in upstate New York and moved to Pelham, where they made their home for 62 years. Together, they raised six children, while Barbara worked as a special education teacher for the Pelham School District alongside her husband.
Outside of her career, Barbara was a lover of books, particularly mystery novels. She cherished spending time at the beach, traveling, shopping, and watching Law & Order. Above all, Barbara treasured moments with her family, which was the heart of her life.
Barbara will be remembered for her resilience, kindness, and gentle spirit. She was known for her quiet strength, tough yet loving demeanor, and courage in facing life’s challenges.
She is survived by her six children: Jennifer Ortiz, Peter Cathone, Matthew (Alyce) Cathone, John (Paula) Cathone, Julie (Sue Penza) Cathone, and Christopher (Kelly) Cathone; as well as seven grandchildren: Joanna (Matthew) Phillipy, Melissa Cathone, Sarah Cathone, Kathryn Ortiz, Dominick Ortiz, Nicholas Cathone, and Madelyn Cathone. Barbara is also survived by her siblings: Arlene Munsell and Peter Suchy. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony Cathone, her sister Mary Lou Allison, and her son-in-law John Ortiz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Holy Family Church, 83 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 50 Jackson Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.
