Obituary of Catherine "Mitzi" A. Pappas

Catherine A. Pappas (née DeSena), a lifelong Madison resident, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Monday, September 26, 2022. She had recently celebrated her 87th birthday.

Catherine was born in Madison on September 18, 1935 to the late John and Rose DeSena (née Sandello). Affectionately nicknamed “Mitzi,” she was raised in Madison and attended Madison High School.

Catherine met her beloved husband Arthur “Art” A. Pappas, Sr. at the wedding of a mutual friend. Art was so smitten with her that he relocated from Boston to Madison to be closer to her. The couple married on May 28, 1960.

Mitzi began working as a legal secretary for a law firm in Morristown. She put her career on hold to raise her children. When her children were grown, Mitzi began a new career as admissions secretary for Drew University.

Catherine was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was very involved in her children's school activities when they were growing up, and she doted on her granddaughters every chance she had. She was also a woman of tremendous faith and lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church.

Mitzi loved the beach and enjoyed frequent family vacations to Belmar and LBI. She would also go on fishing trips with her husband Art and would enjoy reading a good book while he fished. She was an avid Yankees fan and a talented cook, especially of Italian specialties. Her family fondly remembers her extravagant holiday dinners.

Catherine’s spirit and smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Arthur “Art” A. Pappas, Sr. and her son Arthur “Artie” A. Pappas, Jr. She is survived by her devoted daughter Valerie Wardamasky and her husband Marty; her cherished granddaughters Tori Spina and her husband Anthony, and Marisa Wardamasky and her fiancé Ashton; her sister, Joanne Sapio; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services begin at the funeral home at 9:00AM on Saturday, October 1, 2022, prior to a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison.

Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Catherine’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 23 Vreeland Rd #105, Florham Park, NJ 07932.