Catherine Gaughan Gilroy

Catherine Gaughan Gilroy, 91, of Washington Square in Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Born July 29, 1934 in Sugar Notch she was a daughter of the late Michael J. and Alberta Boyer Gaughan.

Catherine was a woman who loved life, laughter, and people. Though 91, she remained young at heart and was known for her warmth, humor, and for making everyone around her feel welcome. She especially cherished time spent with her family and the many friends she made throughout her life.

She retired from King's College after twenty-five years of service in the food service department. During those years, she first worked in the student dining area and later spent many years cooking for the priests and brothers at the college. After retirement, Catherine continued doing what she loved-cooking and caring for others-through her work at Holy Savior Church in Wilkes-Barre, where she provided housekeeping, planned toy bingos, and prepared meals.

She also volunteered at the St.Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre, helping serve those in need.

Catherine had a passion for Notre Dame football and enjoyed taking bus trips to games over the years. She was also an avid yard-sale enthusiast who loved searching for treasures, often spending time with her daughters, Kelly and Jean Marie, and her friends.

More than anything, she adored her grandchildren. Each had their own special name for her-"Gram," "Buddy," and "Mommom"-a reflection of the unique bond she shared with each one of them.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of John Heinz Rehabilitation Center, whose nurses and therapists became dear friends to Catherine. She often referred to them as her "angels."

The family would especially like to thank her nurses, Jessica, aka Jen, Mark, and "Mr.Wonderful," Ivan, for their kindness, compassion, and the joy they brought to her days.

The family is also deeply grateful to the nurses and staff at Geisinger Hospital, whose care and compassion over the past several months went far beyond what anyone could have expected.

A special and heartfelt thank-you is extended to the staff at Allied Services Hospice Center on Meade Street in Wilkes-Barre. Their kindness, dignity, and gentle care made Catherine's final days peaceful and even joyful, not only for her but for the family who loved her.

Upon arriving, in true Catherine fashion, she requested that the nurses "Please take care of my girls." And those nurses did just that.

Her daughters, Kelly and Jean Marie, stayed by her side day and night for eight days, while the nursing staff lovingly and carefully cared for them both.

Kelly and Jean Marie would not have gotten through this difficult week if it weren't for the love and dedication of the staff, the many friends and family members who reached out with food, love, favorite memories of Catherine, and shoulders to cry on.

Catherine will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her daughters, grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, humor, and generous heart.

In the words of Catherine, while consoling her Daughters and grandchildren once she stated her wishes, "things are going to be very different, but the sun is going to keep shining."

Her husband, Robert T. Gilroy, died on May 17, 1977. Her brothers, Michael and Philip Gaughan, also preceded her in death.

Her children Cathy and her husband Charley Pishnick of Stroudsburg, Kelly and her husband Ed Gill of Shavertown, and Jean Marie and her husband Joe Luzny of Zion Grove; grandchildren Shannon and her husband Tom LeFevre, Charley Pishnick, Katey Gill and her fiancé Daelynn, Eddie Gill, and Rebecca and her husband Chris Stout; other family and friends will miss her very much.

Celebration of Catherine's Life takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with visitation from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM in the Church of Saint Leo the Great in Ashley. Burial will be in Saint Charles Cemetery in Sugar Notch.

Donations to Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen or Allied Services Hospice Center are preferred and will honor Catherine's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Catherine's family at mjmclaughlin.com