Barbara Jony Catuzzi

Born on the 26th of August 1936, in Passaic, New Jersey, Barbara was the daughter of Joseph and Alma Jony. She grew up in Carlstadt, New Jersey, where, as fate would have it, she met the love of her life, Lawrence Richard Catuzzi. They were classmates from kindergarten, beginning a lifelong connection that would eventually grow into marriage and a life shared together.

Barbara attended Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, where she studied elementary education and graduated in 1958. She went on to teach elementary school, sharing her love of learning with her students until she began her own family and welcomed her three daughters.

During their early years together, Barbara was a gracious and devoted partner as Larry’s career took their growing family to several states before they eventually settled in Houston. With three young daughters in tow, she embraced each move with strength and grace, creating a sense of home wherever they lived and making each transition as seamless as possible for her family.

Throughout her life, Barbara demonstrated a steadfast love for her family and took great pride in creating a beautiful and welcoming home filled with décor and artwork that reflected her artistic eye and love of beauty. Later in life, she discovered a talent for art, finding particular joy in working with pastels…A true artist.

Barbara could plan and host memorable gatherings, yet she never needed to be the life of the party. She was more comfortable quietly making things happen and paying attention to every detail. Barbara was a woman of elegance and grace, with both style and substance, and a wonderfully dry sense of humor. She was always ready with quick wit and a perfectly timed comment that left those around her laughing.

Barbara treasured the many summers spent with family and friends at their family beach house on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where she created another fun-loving home and where she made certain family and friends enjoyed all the fun Surf City had to offer. Later, she and Larry continued that tradition at their summer home in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, where a new generation of grandchildren grew up hiking, boating, and enjoying summers together. In both places, Barbara was the heart behind the scenes, creating beautiful spaces and experiences that brought her family together…Unforgettable times.

Barbara had a lifelong love of books and words. An avid reader, she often circled favorite words in her treasured books and wrote “Great word!” in the margin…a charming glimpse of her wit and love of language. She adored cats, spoiling many over the years, including her beloved Scout. She also raised a Labrador as a therapy dog and spent many hours volunteering in children’s hospitals, where the two brought comfort and joy to many patients.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lauren, who remained forever in her heart.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence “Larry” Catuzzi of Houston; her daughters, Dara Near and her husband Bob of Short Hills, New Jersey, and Vaughn Lohec and her husband Phil of Frisco, Texas; her cherished grandchildren, Stephen Near, Kevin Near and his wife Natalia, Brendan Near, Matthew Lohec and his wife Jenna, Emily Lohec, Elizabeth Lohec; and cherished great-granddaughter, Lainey Lohec.

While words cannot fully capture the extent of her impact, Barbara Catuzzi’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

May her gentle soul find eternal peace and may those who loved her continue to share the stories, laughter, and perfectly timed wit that made Barbara so wonderfully herself.

Friends are cordially invited to a Visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 17th of September, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at half-past ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 18th of September, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, there will be a reception for family and friends in the nearby Community Center.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in Barbara’s name to the American Brain Foundation by selecting the link below under "Donations."

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