Contributions to the tribute of Catherine Ann McGahan

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Catherine Ann "Cathy" McGahan

1955 - 2019

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Maria Thompson Montaruli posted a condolence

Friday, October 27, 2023

How can it be that Cathy is gone and I had no idea? I only just found out about her death (so young!!) when I queried FB for her profile with Maine so much in the news from the mass murder sadness. Just like everyone has remarked here on this Tribute Wall there was something so joyful about Cathy. The laughter, the smile, the honesty, the support. She had been a part of my life I will never forget -- the few years we spent working together at PLAYBILL. In that short time period she went from being a girl commuting to The City on the LIRR to a true New Yorker, renting her first apartment on Jones Street in the Village and then moving from a 9-to-5 office girl onto a job as a Village coffee house waitress, meeting a cool fun guy like Jan. We were both writing. I wonder if Cathy ever had the chance to go back to it. I will alway remember what a magical but scary time that was and how wonderful it was to have a friend like Cathy. Yes, just like so many have posted, I thought of Cathy as my best friend, too.

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Christene lit a candle

Sunday, October 4, 2020

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I feel so blessed that I had Cathy in my life. Cathy played the role in my life of part best friend from childhood, part favorite Aunt, part mom, part sister, part fellow trouble maker, & part mentor all wrapped up into one beautiful and warm smile. Lucky for the world that her two cherubs keep her with us down here on earth. One memory I would like to share is of the 4 McGahan/Geller’s showing up for the Pfizer picnic at Great Adventure one summer - when I saw you all, you looked like you were in the middle of your own little party - each of you the guest of honor! Hugs and kisses to you.❤️Christene Sisti

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Rob & Al posted a condolence

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Jan, Harry & Chelsea, Alfred and I send our love and prayers across the ocean and, like so many of her friends around the world, will light a candle for Cathy. I hope we can see you all sometime soon, despite the distance we are here for you. Cathy was a true force of nature, always smiling, endlessly positive, never afraid to give an honest opinion, she could make me laugh until my sides ached. She was someone I always wanted to be around, one of few that I could never spend enough time with. She was always kind, always put people first and always managed to add “my friend” at the end of our conversations. She was always thinking about you, you lit up her life every day. I’m proud to call Cathy my friend, and heart-broken that she left us but above all, I’m grateful that we loved each other, all of us; and that will never change. You might recall that Cathy and I met on 11th September 2001. She had been attending a meeting in London that day and was due to fly back in the evening. As the tragedy in New York unfolded around the world, alongside other Pfizer colleagues that day, I helped Cathy to find a hotel room and stayed with her for a few hours, sitting in together in the hotel lobby as she scrambled to track you down and make sure you were all safe. The next day, Cathy came and found me, gave me a hug and a kiss and told me that she was touched by my little acts of good-will. Because of that infamous date, I recall without hesitation, the first evening we spent together and the beginning of a rare, authentic and inimitable friendship. When I moved to New York six months later, I joined the same team as Cathy. I got to work every day with someone I adored and respected. Over years of trips to Northern Europe, we pretty-much travelled the world together, probably a few times over. We frequently found ourselves together in airports, hotels and meeting rooms, taxis, and teleconferences, often for hours on end; when we weren't together we were often on the telephone planning our next cup of coffee, our next cigarette, our next time. During those times Cathy was always thinking, always glowing with pride about you and always telling me often trifling, always addictive stories of her “typical”, unique, brilliant, beautiful New York family. Cathy’s mischievous sense of humor was never far away, and she could bring out the silliest-side of me (mainly she helped bring out the best in me). I could go on for hours about our mischief and hi-jinx, but I will save them, our common experience with the birthday bottle of Jack Daniels says enough. I’m blessed to have a thousand happy, shiny memories of her sparkling in my mind. I know you will have too many to count. They feel like treasures to cherish for the rest of my life and I will keep them light and bright in my heart. Love and deep sympathy Rob and Al

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Cindy Sterling posted a condolence

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Cathy Mcgahan was a bright light of fun and laughter. I can’t believe she is gone. I loved her tenacious and kind spirit - would delight in her jokes and marvel at her strength. The world is a darker place with Cathy. Cindy Sterling

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Sophie posted a condolence

Friday, October 2, 2020

I knew her for less than 2 years, but I’ll always remember her fondly. She was my favorite client, always smiling. I sometimes feel tired or stressed out and just want to get through the next appointment when I’m working, but Cathy always made me feel relaxed and at ease. I looked forward to seeing her walking around the track at the YMCA every Wednesday before our session. She was kind, genuine, and sweet. The world is a little less bright without her in it.

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Lindsay McGuire lit a candle

Friday, October 2, 2020

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All of us at Left Bank Books will miss our regular visits from Cathy! She was always SO appreciative, NEVER demanding, and just quietly came in to find the newest books she found intriguing. We all loved seeing her and helping her find her latest novels! We all send our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Lindsay McGuire and Barb Klausmeyer from Left Bank Books

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Susan lit a candle

Friday, October 2, 2020

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Dear Jan, Chelsea, Harry and all the Cathy fans out there: a bright light in this world has gone out much too soon. Cathy and I worked together for many years while we were both in/around Europe at Pfizer. She had an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor and an always available ear and shoulder for those tough moments. I was so happy to hear of her love affair with her new home and life in Maine— I bet the weather there was just a bit warmer with her constant presence. My best wishes for the whole family. May some of her sunshine enter the world through each and every one of us Susan Silbermann

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Joan Licari-Hetherington lit a candle

Friday, October 2, 2020

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Dear Jan and family, I worked with Cathy at Pfizer and had the opportunity to visit her in your Maine home a few years ago. We always shared many family and cat stories and always thought we were sisters from another mother. My deepest sympathies during this very difficult time. Best Joanie Licari-Hetherington

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Lisa Easter lit a candle

Friday, October 2, 2020

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Dear Jan and family ~ my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time . You two were amazing Together! I loved our laughs and jokes when we chatted at Bell. She will be missed! Love always , Lisa @ Bell the Cat.

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Sandy Helgemoe posted a condolence

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Cathy was an indomitable spirit. She connected with true sincerity. We worked with this amazing woman at Pfizer. Just finding out about your sudden loss. Please know that she truly was appreciated as a friend and colleague. Her legacy will live on in all those she has touched. Our sincere condolences, David and Sandy

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Leighton Gleicher posted a condolence

Thursday, December 26, 2019

I apologize for being my tardiness in leaving a condolence message. I worked with Cathy for about 10 years at Pfizer. I adored how bright and creative she was and how she retained her sense of individuality within the behemoth that was Pfizer in those days. Cath's work was so good that the normal informal rules for behavior and dress simply weren't applied to her. She was a good friend, a welcome co-collaborator on projects, and a wonderful developer of people. The truth about Cathy is that you never came away from time spent with her that you didn't learn something. I loved that about her. I loved her generosity of spirit. My heart is heavy learning of her death. Leighton Gleicher

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