Ginger Catena, age 76, passed peacefully surrounded by her children on February 20. 2021.
For 30 years, Ginger was the devoted wife to John “Tweet” DeRay and raised their children in
the town she loved, Kearny. She was a dedicated mother to Maryann D’Alessandro (John),
Gina DeRay (Charles Raad) and John DeRay (Christina). She treasured her children, her
family, and her friends for whom she would do anything for. Ginger was a caring and supportive
sister and is survived by her brothers Robert Catena (Judy) and Thomas Catena. She especially
loved her role as Nana to her precious grandchildren; Jack, Sophia and Nicholas.
Arrangements are held by Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home. All are welcome to pay respects at a funeral Mass on Friday February 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Stephens Church and burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. During these unprecedented times, however, the family understands if friends and family prefer to honor Ginger with a moment of silence from the safety of their homes.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations in Ginger’s name to Hospital
University Penn in support of their research and in honor of the incredibly loving and supportive
care they provided Ginger with before, during, and after her passing. Donations can also be
made to St. Stephen’s Church where Ginger was a beloved parishioner.
To make a donation online for HUP follow the link www.pennmedicine.org/give, please choose
Ronald Fairman Research Fund and indicate the gift is being made in memory of Virginia
Catena. You may also choose to make checks payable to Trustees of the University of
Pennsylvania in memory of Virginia Catena.
Please send checks to:
Jessie McCulley
Penn Medicine Development
3535 Market Street, Suite 750
Philadelphia, PA 19104
To make a donation to St. Stephen’s Church please make checks payable to St. Stephen’s
Heritage Fund. Please send checks to:
141 Washington Avenue
Kearny NJ, 07032
