Catherine Mullaghy

Catherine Helen Ford Mullaghy, 86, a lifelong Jersey City resident, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on September 4, 2026.

Born in Jersey City on May 13, 1940, Catherine was the beloved daughter of the late Michael Ford and Mary Carroll Ford. She was born and raised in Jersey City, where she remained throughout her life and devoted herself to her family.

Catherine was the devoted wife of the late Thomas Mullaghy and a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her children, Thomas Mullaghy and his wife Barbara, Eileen Deegan, and Brian Mullaghy and his wife Gladys.

She was the cherished grandmother of Richard, John, and Kevin Dufresne; Andrew, Sean, and Anna Mullaghy; Bobby Deegan; and Rose, Brian, and Julia Mullaghy. Catherine is also survived by her sisters, Margaret Ford and Helen Glynn, along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas Mullaghy; her daughter, Kathleen Dufresne; and her sister, Mary Ford.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church, Catherine’s faith remained an important part of her life. In quieter moments, she especially enjoyed watching The Golden Girls, a favorite that always brought her comfort and a smile.

Catherine never wanted to be the center of attention, but she was truly the center of her family. Her quiet strength, love, and devotion brought her family together and created a lasting legacy that will continue through her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ennoble Care Hospice, nurses Carla and Jean, home health aide Claudia, and family friend Miguel Garcia for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Catherine and her family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07306 (For GPS it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg St., additional parking can be found on Kennedy Blvd.). The funeral will begin on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. An 11:00 a.m. mass will follow at St. Joseph's Church, Jersey City. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine’s memory to the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (https://cinj.org/giving/ways-give), in loving tribute to her daughter, Kathleen Dufresne.