MAVRINAC CATHERINE BERNADETTE MARY (FITZGERALD) On February 24, 2018, surrounded by her family who were praying the Rosary, Catherine Cathy Bernadette Mary (Fitzgerald) Mavrinac left her earthly home for her Heavenly reward. Cathy died after valiantly fighting the complications of pneumonia. Cathy was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Harry Charles Mavrinac (September 30, 2010), and is survived by her five children: Maureen A. of California, Joan M. of Pittsburgh, Jim G. (fiancée Serey Ho) of California, Michael (Nathalie Charpentier); and grandson, Alexei of Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France, and Paul A. of Pittsburgh, with whom she resided. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Edward Fitzgerald, Sr. and Ann M. (McCann) Fitzgerald of Lawrenceville. She and her eight brothers and sisters (all who have predeceased her) brought much laughter, music and love of God to the world. She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert E., Jr., William J. (the late Jean), James F., John M., Robert J. (Kathleen), and Edward Paul; and by her sisters, Ellamae Baier (the late Denis) and Ann Therese Fitzgerald. Cathy is also survived by sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Desmond) Fitzgerald of Pittsburgh, Marilyn (Sweeney) Mavrinac of Wisconsin, and Shirley (Phillips) Marvin of Virginia. She had 36 nieces and nephews; as well as many great-nieces and great- nephews, who loved their Aunt Cathy very much. Cathy grew up as a member of St. Kieran's Parish in Lawrenceville. Later, the family moved from Butler Street to the Morningside area of Pittsburgh, where they were members of St. Raphael's Parish and where she was married to Harry in 1952. Cathy was a devout Roman Catholic, who prayed the Rosary regularly and who gave the gift of strong faith to her children. In addition, Cathy consistently and quietly evangelized her faith by her actions and words to all those who she met throughout her lifetime. Cathy was a retired teacher from the South Fayette School District. Cathy will continue to touch countless lives as the many students whom she taught throughout the years continue to share Mrs. Mavrinac's signature maxims: Character is who you are when no one is watching; I am a good person today; tomorrow I will be even better; and, Cool is knowledge. In addition to her maxims, Cathy will be remembered for the many poems that she taught her students to appreciate and for the love of reading that she instilled in them. Cathy was a dedicated wife and mother and a devoted educator. Cathy's main goal each and every day was to do good and be kind to others on earth and have eternal life in Heaven. We were so blessed to have had Cathy in our lives and we are heartbroken that she is gone. We find our true comfort in knowing that she is living her eternal life in Heaven. May God hold you, Cathy, in the palm of His hand. The family would like to extend a special acknowledgment to Dr. Terence J. Philbin, Dr. Patrick Strollo, Jr., Dr. Joshua Culver, Peggy Stoeff, CRNP, and Betsy Ellenberger, CRNP, who extended superior medical care and respect to Cathy. We are forever grateful. Friends and family will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood 15227, Thursday, March 1, 2018, from 7 - 9 p.m. and Friday, March 2, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral prayers will be held Saturday morning, March 3, 2018, at 8:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Paul Cathedral, 108 North Dithridge Street, Oakland section of Pittsburgh at 10:00 a.m., March 3, 2018. A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at the Pittsburgh Golf Club in Oakland immediately following interment in Calvary Cemetery. PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS. CATHY WOULD APPRECIATE MASSES FOR HER SOUL. Please send condolences to: www.johnfslater.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
