Catherine B. (Brown) Merenda

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Catherine B. Brown Merenda, 93, on the morning of May 25th, 2026.

Catherine was born on July 25th, 1932 in Port Richmond-Philadelphia, PA to parents Helen and James Earl Brown. She attended Little Flower High School, graduating in 1950, and later in life earned her Associates Degree from Penn State Abington campus. A loving mother, she raised six children on her own, and was a pillar of strength and support for her family. She overcame many hardships to ensure her children were loved and cared for. Her devotion to her family was unmatched, always fighting for the happiness of her children and later, her grandchildren. A true Matriarch.

Her fierce determination to provide for her children led her to many careers over the years. Starting out at Asplundh Tree Expert, and then to IBX as a claims adjustor, for which she was voted Outstanding Employee. Not only that, she had her own cleaning business and opened Carol & Kate’s Thrift Shop with her close friend Carol. 

She cherished holding family gatherings, lovingly called “pizza nights” by her children, at her home. Her presence at any holiday or celebration was always treasured. She had many interests in life, including classic cinema, politics, sewing and thrifting which she enjoyed sharing with her children and grandchildren. She was adored by her grandchildren, with whom she spent a great deal of time, and in 2021 she became a Great-Grandmother. 

Catherine is survived by her son Michael Merenda and wife Pamela, Kathleen Carini (nee) Merenda and husband Jack, Patricia Cassidy (nee) Merenda and husband Joseph, Christine McPeak (nee) Merenda and husband Christopher, Anthony Merenda and wife Margaret, and Dominic Merenda and wife Lisa. She is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew Merenda and wife Alex, Jason Cassidy and wife Tessa Leon, Roxanne Carini and husband Peter Metzger, Nicholas Carini and wife Gabrielle, Caroline Feldman and husband Zach, Anna McPeak, Olivia Carini, Isabel Dalition and husband DJ, Conor Merenda, Lauren Merenda, Liam Merenda, and Gianna Merenda. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Brooks, Margot, Miles, Lola, Maisie, Carmine, George, and Jack Ryder. Finally, she is survived by her sister Eileen McCullough (nee) Brown, sisters-in-law Dorothy McKenna Brown and Susan Brown, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rest in peace, the family you built misses you every day. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever. We love you.

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