Catherine Lesky Shaffer passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026 at the home of her goddaughter Lisa Maslankowski and her family in Philadelphia.

Beloved Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, Catherine was born and raised in Carteret, NJ. After graduating from Carteret High School as Valedictorian, she started her work career as a secretary and ended it as an executive She graduated from Rutgers University and received her MBA from St. John’s University all while working full time. She met her husband George at Merck, where they both worked until retirement.

A lifelong member of Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, Catherine was also a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox League board. She served as treasurer and board member of the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge Meals on Wheels. She volunteered many hours through the years preparing tax returns for senior citizens through the AARP program. She also volunteered at the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel where George had been an elder. Before her illness, she filled her days with service to her church and to her community.

Catherine was a world traveler but her favorite spot away from home was their cabin in New Hampshire. In her younger days, she frequently went into New York City to see operas. She loved spending time with her family and friends whatever the occasion.

She is survived by her nieces Lisa Maslankowski (Robert), Stella Causey (Michael), Ann Cholowski, Kathleen Gilbert (Michael) and her nephews Richard Lesky (Stephanie), Michael Lesky (Emily), Mark Cholowski (Robin), David Maslankowski (Lisa), Joseph Lesky (Debbie), John Lesky (Lydia), and James Lesky (Teresa) and many great nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by George’s sons Gary and Glenn and Glenn’s children and grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by George’s large extended family who called her “Aunt Cathy.”

She was predeceased by her husband George, her parents Anna and Michael Lesky, and her siblings John Lesky, Joseph Lesky, Sophie Dempski, Julianna Cholowski, Steven Lesky and Helen Maslankowski.

Catherine was committed to carrying on her Ukrainian traditions. Her faith was unwavering and she took great comfort from it.

Funeral liturgy will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 645 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 PM in Costello- Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street (at Minna Avenue) Avenel, NJ 07001. Parastas prayers will begin at 6:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Carteret, NJ or the Meals on Wheels 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095 732-634-4141