Obituary of Catherine J. Szap

Catherine J. Szap, 80, of Toms River passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she lived in Ridgefield, NJ before moving to Toms River in 1959. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter C. Szap in 1992. After earning her BA in chemistry from Mount Holyoke College in 1955, Catherine worked as a research chemist with Lever Brothers in Edgewater, NJ and later as a Lab Coordinator and Administrative Assistant at Georgian Court College before retiring in 2006. She was very active with Birthright of Ocean County, serving as treasurer for the past 35 years. Catherine and her husband were active members of St. Justin's Church since its founding in 1972. Catherine served the church as Cantor, Lector, and choir member. She performed with the Ocean County College Community Chorus and was active in the American Association of University Women for many years. She enjoyed travel, concerts, theater, and thoughtful debate of current issues. Surviving are her three children, Jonathan P. Szap of Hamilton, Matthew C. Szap and his wife Catherine of Metuchen, Nina C. Ditmar and her husband Mark of Manahawkin; 6 grandchildren, Erin, Cara, Grace, Mia, Eva, Peter; two brothers, Joseph Suarez of Wayne, and Richard Suarez of Winfield, British Columbia. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 am Saturday at St. Justin's Catholic Church, 975 Fischer Blvd, Toms River. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to Birthright of Ocean County, 10 Lafayette Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.kedzfuneralhome.com