Catharina (Kitty) Christina Hukkelhoven

October 18, 1954 – July 29, 2026

Catharina Hukkelhoven passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Catharina will be remembered for the care, generosity, and friendship she gave so freely to everyone she encountered. 

Born on October 18, 1954, in the Netherlands, Catharina developed an early love of language and learning. After graduating from high school in Geleen, she studied Dutch Language and Literature and became a high school teacher in Grave. She inspired students with her passion for education.

In 1984, Catharina married the love of her life, Mathias. Together they welcomed two daughters, Ellen and Irene, and built a life defined by partnership and shared experiences. In 1990, they moved to Switzerland, where Catharina began a new chapter working in Marketing at Hoffmann-La Roche. Four years later, the adventures continued as the family settled in the United States. 

Catharina found beauty in the world around her. She loved to explore new places, tell (long) stories, and capture meaningful moments through photography. She embraced new experiences and appreciated both the simple and extraordinary moments in life.

Nothing brought Catharina greater joy than her family. She believed the greatest gift she could give her daughters was a broad view of the world, introducing them to sports, music, art, travel, languages, and cultures from an early age. She took immense pride in raising her daughters to be strong, independent women with curious minds and open hearts. In 2025, Catharina embraced her newest role as Oma when her granddaughter, Sicilia, was born. 

Catharina is survived by her husband, two daughters, a granddaughter, two brothers, a sister, and extended family members and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will hold a private cremation service on August 3, 2026. Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11:00am at the Shrine of Saint Joseph, 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980. Committal Service will follow at the Shine of St. Joseph Memorial Garden. The Memorial Mass and Committal Service will also be live streamed. A link will be posted here in the future. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Catharina's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate.