Catherine M. Mussari, 72, of Waymart and formerly of Carbondale, died Saturday March 2nd at home after a lengthy illness.

Born in Carbondale, daughter of the late Joseph and Betty Hunt Mikulak, she was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale and a former member of the Bingo Committee at the church.  She was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale, and she attended Marywood College.  Prior to her retirement, she was employed as an administrative assistant for Farview State Hospital, then SCI Waymart, where she was instrumental in developing local policies and procedures when the Department of Corrections took over operation of the facility; she was recognized as employee of the year for her efforts.  Catherine served as Secretary for the Special Olympics, Area P.  She enjoyed traveling with her friends to many destinations, her favorite being Hilton Head, SC, and she enjoyed boat rides on Lake Wallenpaupack.  She was always friendly to everyone she met.

The family would like to thank the staff of Personal Home Health and Hospice, especially Dan, Maurice, and Lashonda, and the staff of Sinclair Home Health, especially Crystal and Roxanne, for the compassionate care given to Catherine.

Surviving are a sister: Ann Morris and husband Thomas, Waymart; nieces and nephews: Kimberly Tomaine; Keith Esbensen; Rochelle Coleman; Audrey Conflitti; Jon and Joseph Mikulak; great nieces and great nephews: Kris and Adam Tomaine; Noah and Isabella Coleman; Mike and Paige Conflitti; Jess Esbensen; a great grandniece: Catalina Tomaine; and several cousins.

She was also preceded in death by a brother: John Mikulak; and a great nephew: Jeremey Tomaine.

The funeral will be Friday, March 8th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.  Friends may call at the church from 11 am until mass time.  Arrangements by the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the donor's favorite charity.