Catherine Patricia McDonnell was a long time resident of Rutherford. Before emigrating from Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Ireland, in the mid 1970’s, Catherine earned her degree as a Registered Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, and Midwife at University in Dublin. Upon arriving in America, she joined her two older sisters in Brooklyn, NY (Olive and Moya) and began working there as a nurse, first in Victory Memorial Hospital in Bay Ridge and then as a private duty nurse. She then married her husband Michael Anthony Mitza in 1982 and had one daughter Kathryn Mitza a year later. Together they lived in Michael’s hometown of Bayonne, NJ until moving to Rutherford, NJ in 1987 to raise their daughter. Catherine continued working as a private duty nurse taking care of many elderly patients whose families became very close with her and welcomed her into their family and homes with open arms. She was known for her kind heart, sharp instincts, endless devotion, and upbeat spirit in all the ways she would tend to her patients. She remained in Rutherford until she retired in 2014. Catherine loved Rutherford for all its charm and the many warm neighbors and friends she met here.

Catherine leaves behind her one daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Kevin, and baby grandson Kevin Anthony. Fortunately, Catherine was able to meet and spend time with her grandson before passing, happily singing to him in Gaelic. Catherine also leaves behind two devoted sisters, Olive and Bernadette, as well as many loving nieces and nephews (both here in the U.S and over seas in Ireland/England).

Life celebration visiting will be Thursday 4:00 to 8:00pm.

Funeral Friday leaving for Church at 10:00am thence a 10:30am Mass of Christian Liturgy in the Church of St. Mary 91 Home Avenue Rutherford. Family and friends are invited to arrive Friday at the funeral home at 9:30am. Services will close after Catherine's Mass. Committal will be private.