Raleigh NC - On Friday, January 15, 2021, Mary Catena passed away at Brookdale Senior Living in Wake Forest, NC at the age of 92. Mary was born July12, 1928, in Bayonne, NJ, to Frank and Josephine Modaferi.

She graduated from Bayonne High School, and in her teen years worked in a local bakery, which afforded her the opportunity to bring home special treats for her four brothers who doted on her. She married Patrick Catena on October 8th, 1949 in Bayonne, and moved to Belleville, NJ shortly thereafter. In 1970 her growing family moved to Clark, NJ, and in 1979 moved to Raleigh, NC.

Mary enjoyed various sports during her life including tennis (her favorite), softball, bowling and golf. As she aged out of sports she became an avid reader. She also loved music, indeed we would often find her rocking out to her favorite 1940s hits. But most of all, she loved her crazy, loud, Italian family gatherings. And speaking of family, as a mom, Mary was full of unconditional love, laughter, fun, and kindness. She was very involved in, and supportive of the lives of not just her children, but also the lives of their friends. Indeed, many of her children’s friends called her “Mom” too! Additionally, Mary was a devout Christian, and became involved in many churches throughout her life, most recently St. Raphael in Raleigh.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and three of her brothers. She is survived by one brother, Jim Modaferi of Bayonne, NJ, and her two children: Patti Loy and her husband Brian, and Frank Catena and his wife Joan. The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale for her care the last three years - especially Barbara Tate and Iwona Hughes who became more than caregivers, but family in the face of the global pandemic.

Due to COVID-19, services at St Raphael Catholic Church (https://saintraphael.org/) will be immediate family only - however a livestream of the service will be available. Arrangements are under the care of Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC.