Catherine V. Yankowski

Bridgewater, NJ

Catherine V. Yankowski, 85 years old, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Catherine was born on January 15, 1938, in Shamokin, PA, to Catherine Sefczek (immigrant of Ukraine) and Stanley Gallup (immigrant of Poland).

Catherine and her husband lived in Bridgewater, NJ, since 1965. She worked at Baker & Taylor Books in Somerville, NJ, for 25 years and upon retirement became an avid quilter. Catherine enjoyed making pierogis for family and friends around the holidays and would spend endless hours decorating her Christmas trees and displaying her Christmas village collections.

Catherine and her husband have very fond memories of their travels that include Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, England, France, Germany, Cuba and several trips to Italy, two of which included masses with Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's square. Over the years they also enjoyed visiting Hawaii, national parks and countless Broadway shows in NYC.

Catherine was big fan of music, especially Elvis Presley, Paul Anka and Frank Sinatra. She also enjoyed doing arts & crafts, and sewing during her free time. Most importantly, Catherine enjoyed spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Catherine also enjoyed spending quality time with her cherished friends, some of whom she has known for many years.

She is preceded in death by her seven siblings, Sophie, Tillie, Jack, Charlie, Eddie, Elizabeth and Florence as well as her beloved dog Tiffany.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, John J. Yankowski, her daughters Cathy Gara (Curt), and Debbie Rivas, son John P. Yankowski (Laura), her grandchildren Erica Moyer (Mark), Kevin Gara, Emma Fisher (Eric), Phoebe Neumann (Matt) Sophia Yankowski, two great-granddaughters Nola Moyer (4-1/2 yrs old), Myla Moyer (6 weeks old) and her dog Heidi.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 from 4-8pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876. A prayer service will begin at the funeral home at 7:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Catherine's honor https://www.alz.org/nj