Obituary of Catherine Kappus

Catherine "Cathy" L. Kappus, 75, of Washington Township, NJ passed away peacefully February 26, 2025. She was daughter of the late John "Norman" and Catherine (nee Hayden) Baines. Her husband John P. Kappus, pre-deceased her on January 7th. Born in Oak Park Village, Illinois on October 11,1949, Cathy graduated from Arlington Heights High School, Class of 1967, where she met her late husband, John. They were married over 51 years and together raised four children. Catherine was very proud to be a stay-at-home mom and raise their children. She was a past member of the Washington Township Fire Department #76 Ladies Auxiliary and supported The ARC of Warren and Abilities of Northwest Jersey. A past parishioner of St. Theodore's Roman Catholic in Port Murray and St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Washington, Catherine's faith meant the world to her, and she prayed the rosary daily. An excellent cook and baker, her amazing creations were enjoyed by many! Cathy used her talents to regularly support church and firehouse bake sales. Sometimes, that support meant a 20-pie production for a single event and lots of pumpkin cookies. Her chocolate chip cookies were the size of an NBA player's hand and a highlight at parties. The secret ingredient...you'll never know... Cathy would also use the produce from their gardens to make countless jars of red sauce, salsa, pesto and jams. Cathy dearly loved her family and treasured their annual vacations on Long Beach Island. Relaxing on the deck with family and friends, her glass (or two!) of Sauvignon Blanc and shopping. She also enjoyed going back to visit her family and friends in Chicago. Catherine is survived by her children: Alycia (Matthew) Crespin and daughter Casey, James Kappus, Bernadette Kappus and Ryan Kappus. Siblings, Matthew (Christie) Baines, Mary Westre and Michael Baines; a sister-in-law Mary Baines; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Cathy is preceded in death by her brother John Patrick "Pat" Baines, Sr. Family and friends may pay their respects Friday, March 7, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10 AM at The Church of Saint Ann, 6 Church Street. Hampton, NJ 08827. Interment will follow at Montana Cemetery, 22 Demeter Rd., Harmony, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations may be made to Abilities of Northwest Jersey, 264 NJ-31, Washington, NJ 07882 or The ARC of Warren County, PO Box 389, Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home.