Cathleen G. Spinelli 's Obituary
Cathleen G. Spinelli, 67, of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2018 with her family by her side. She was the loving wife to Michael A. Spinelli for 43 years, dear mother to Eric (Debra), Joan Marie Still (Thomas), and Julie Ann Giuffre (James). She was a devoted and playful grandmother to Sean, Emerson, Madelyn, Bryce, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her 5th grandchild. She was the beloved sister of Joan Gallagher and Barbara Gallagher. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving son Drew and her parents, Charles Gallagher of Bridgeton, NJ and Helen McGann Gallagher of Moorestown, NJ.
Cathy was a lifelong educator and advocate for children with special needs. After several years in public education, she earned two Master’s degrees from Trenton State College (TCNJ), and achieved certifications in school psychology, learning disabilities, teacher of the handicapped, and others. After earning a doctorate in Education from Temple University, she advanced to positions in higher education, teaching, first at Monmouth University and, for the last 18 years, at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She was a strong advocate for teachers in special education and particularly valued her work as a field placement advisor in the Philadelphia public schools.
Cathy was a well-known author of several books designed for undergraduate and graduate teachers entering the field of special education, as well as numerous articles. Her particular area of interest was assessment and placement of special education students. Her work earned her recognition as an expert in the field and led to many invitations to serve as keynote speaker and presenter at national and international conferences.
In addition to her devotion to family and career, Cathy still found time to rescue, foster, and tend to animals in need, adopting many of them herself. No animal that came into Cathy’s view was left unattended. She was known to stop and care for animals found on the side of the road. She will be greatly missed by her loyal companion, her dog, Bella.
Cathy was a devout Catholic whose life reflected her moral convictions, and her faith permeated everything she did. She could frequently be found at daily Mass and was proud to teach at a faith-based university.
Cathy found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. She loved to spend summers in Ocean City, NJ, with friends and family, reminding everyone to replenish their sunscreen. She spent many fun hours exploring yard sales for items she could transform into decorative home furnishings to be enjoyed by the many friends and family members who were welcomed into her home.
Friends and family are invited to gather on Sunday, November 18th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, and again on Monday, November 19th from 9:00am to 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo of Cinnaminson at 10:30am. Burial will be held privately. Donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to Loaves and Fishes, c/o Barbara Anne Cagney, 83 Sycamore St., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or Read By 4th via the website freelibrary.org/readby4th
What’s your fondest memory of Cathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cathleen?
Share a story where Cathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Cathleen make you smile?
