Catherine M. Lubeck

December 25, 1927 – January 18, 2026

Catherine Marie Lubeck was born in Brooklyn, NY, on Christmas Day in 1927. Growing up during the Great Depression shaped her into what everyone knew her to be: a true spitfire—tough as nails, fiercely independent, and never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Childhood was not easy, but Catherine endured with grit, resilience, and a strength that defined her entire life.

She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn and worked as a secretary before meeting the love of her life, William Lubeck. They were married on October 1, 1950, beginning a partnership filled with love, devotion, and unwavering commitment that lasted 60 years, until William’s passing in 2011.

In 1966, they moved their family to New City, where Catherine spent the rest of her life making a house into a home. She was a stay-at-home mother until her youngest was in high school, after which she went to work at Bambergers. Her home was always the gathering place—the heart of holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. Tamarac was known for its many parties, loud laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Catherine was creative, curious, and fearless. Nothing intimidated her. She kept herself busy with a plethora of hobbies including baking, stained glass, and pottery. She made custom cakes for every occasion including princess birthday cakes and her famous ice-box cakes. She especially loved pottery, filling her home and all of ours with handmade pieces—including but not limited to the infamous “creepy dolls” that watched over us and followed you room to room.

Her family was the center of her world. She was the proud mother of four children: Barbara, Bill (Ilene), Cecelia (Steve), and Peter (Gina); grandmother to seven grandchildren: Stacey, Adam (Sara), Willie (Neda), Amanda, Lindsey, Kelsey (Vinny), and Sophia; and great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren: Leiana, Kiara, Anthony and Luciano.

Catherine lived a full and remarkable life, and was a force to be reckoned with even at 98. She was sassy, strong, faith-filled, and deeply devoted to her family. She was the glue that held everything together. The last two years were difficult as her health deteriorated, but now she is finally at peace—reunited with the love of her life.

Viewing will be held at Higgins in New City, NY, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 3–7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine’s in New City on January 22, 2026, at 10 am.