Cathy Ann Monahan

Cathy Ann Cusick was born on September 10, 1950, to Robert J. Cusick and Eileen Katherine Ferrarini. On November 17, 1973, she married the love of her life, Philip Monahan, whom she met at the New Hyde Park Inn. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and endurance. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter, Christine Marie, Chrissy, whom Cathy lovingly called "Sleepy Time Gal" or "My Little Porcupine," a nickname from her spiky hair at birth.Cathy grew up in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx on Marion Avenue and stayed a proud Bronx girl for life. She went to St. Philip Neri Grammar School and then on to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She enjoyed telling stories about her time at school and valued the lifelong friendships she had made there. At the time, she was part of a close group of friends called the "Animal Farm". Her Animal name was "Coyote Cusick," and she will always be remembered for her special Coyote Howl, the Bronx cheer, and her famous Rockette-style high kick, something that could be seen at any family gathering or whenever she felt like it. Her quick wit and larger-than-life personality brought joy and laughter to all.Cathy filled many roles throughout her life. She worked as a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic, spent many years caring for children as a nanny, served as a clerk at the Sachem Public Library, and later found a job she truly loved as a food demonstrator at Sam's Club, earning the affectionate nickname "Demo Diva." She loved meeting new people and chatting with customers while handing out samples. Though she spent her days promoting food, she rarely cooked at home herself, an irony that became a beloved family joke.Phil and Cathy began their family in Bellerose, Queens, and later made homes in Holbrook and Selden, where they spent their final 20 years together.Cathy's greatest joy was her grandson, Tristan, who was always the light of her life. She grew super fond of his girlfriend, Alyssa, who became part of the family in every way that mattered. Seeing Tristan happy brought her immense joy, and she cherished the love they shared. Cathy often thought of Alyssa as a future granddaughter and liked to imagine wedding bells in their future.Cathy loved a good story and had a remarkable gift for remembering the details of people's lives. Whether she had known someone for decades or had only met them briefly, she could often recall where they met, the names of their children, birthdays, family stories, and countless other details. She loved to talk, loved to listen, and genuinely loved learning about people.When Christine found her true love, Vincent, they bonded instantly and soon became 'the favorite child' on most days. Cathy also had a valued relationship with her in-laws, Larry and Rosemary; she often remarked that she wanted to sit on the 'cool' Italian side of the holiday table. She enjoyed Larry's Sinatra performances and treasured the friendship, laughter, and memories she shared with Rosemary, a relationship that became one of the greatest blessings of her life.Outside of her family, Cathy found peace near the water. She loved the beach and had a special love for lighthouses, which always captured her heart with their beauty and strength. She also enjoyed going to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, places that kept her close to the city she loved.She often reminisced about times at the Irish American club in Mineola with her beloved sister-in-law, Patricia Monahan McKee, where she would sip apricot or amaretto sour cocktails.Her favorite treat is a lime rickey, egg cream, or root beer float. She loves all things Celtic, especially claddagh rings. Any shade of blue. She's put two rings on every finger; if she could, she'd love to be bejeweled in Liberace fashion.Cathy often talked about her dream of writing a book titled *A Tree Grows in the Bronx*, inspired by her neighborhood, the people she loved, and the experiences that shaped her life. Although she never completed that book, her stories continue to live on through those who knew her. The friendships she cherished, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely have become significant chapters in the lives of her family and friends.Cathy's memory will be treasured by her husband of nearly 53 years, Philip Monahan; her daughter, Christine Monahan Tinerino; her son-in-law, Vincent Tinerino; her beloved grandson, Tristan; her sister, Karen Cusick Campbell (Greg) of North Carolina; her brother, Robert "Bobby" Cusick (Susan Pentangelo) of Connecticut; her nieces, Kate Cusick, Kira Cusick, who is also her goddaughter and Danielle Campbell; her cousins, Eileen Taht (Bill) and Shannon Richard; her cherished in-laws, Rosemary and Larry; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Cathy's warmth, humor, loyalty, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her spirit lives on in every song by Celine Dion, John Denver, Anne Murray, Johnny Mathis, Linda Ronstadt, and Beach Boys songs; every walk along the beach; every lighthouse standing watch along the shore; every visit to the Bronx Zoo or Botanical Garden; every Bronx cheer; every gathering filled with laughter; and yes, even every plate of Lasagna or baked ziti, even the ones that are just okay – since most chefs didn't measure up to Miss Fusspot's exacting standards.Following Cathy's wishes, she will be cremated on Thursday, September 24, 2026.In the coming weeks, our family will gather with relatives and friends to celebrate Cathy's life with a Funeral Mass and a Celebration of Life. We look forward to honoring her memory by sharing the stories, laughter, and love she brought to all of us.

Published on Legacy.com September 20, 2026.

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