Catherine L. Picaud

Catherine was born in Philadelphia during the summer of 1928 to Edwin and Marie (Connolly) Hargraves. She was raised in Philly and Camden NJ. Her family suffered the loss of her little sister to tetanus in the late 1930’s. After Catherine’s parents’ divorce, all of her siblings (Wyni, Rhea, Bob and Joe) entered the armed forces. Catherine dropped out of grammar school and later worked as a telephone operator at the Bourse with her Mother. She had hearing loss which caused her to retreat to the house to avoid the embarrassment associated with deafness. Naturally, she was quite shy. In the 1940’s she recalled buying sheet music of the latest radio hits and learning the words on her front step in Fairview. She was a romantic and loved fostering her children’s love of music along with her husband Frank. Catherine and Frank were married and started their family in Upper Darby, PA. The 1950’s were a busy time . By the time they move to Oak Valley in NJ they had three children, Francine, Robert and Deborah and soon after 1960 they had Marc. Every holiday, birthday and milestone were so special and memorable. She fondly remembered the neighborhood summer gatherings with her dear friends on Georgetown Road and their New Year’s Eve parties with the Hellerman’s , Weitzmanns, Paynes and Brants especially . Catherine spent the 1960’s raising her children running a household and caring for Frank. Many weekends were spent visiting her siblings their families and her parents. During the 1970’s Catherine decided to get her GED and excelled in a college course. Then the recession hit . She returned to the workforce at Tyco Trains, to retail at Wanamakers and then to the casino in A. C. until her forced retirement at 80. Her interest were varied. She had a great eye for style and design and kept a lovely home. She loved our country’s indigenous people. She had a soft spot for all animals and was a die hard fan of all Philly sports teams. Shopping and visiting the casinos were her favorite pastimes . Catherine was a beautiful , strong willed, stubborn and uncompromising woman that was way ahead of her time. She was always trying to improve herself and enrich the lives of others. She could be honest to a fault and never backed down from a challenge. She cared for everything in her life with all of her being, passionately and honestly. The supreme role model. From her children, thank you mom, our gratitude and love for you is immeasurable and without end. We would also like to thank Inspira hospital at Mullica Hill for the wonderful care provided on numerous occasions. Also thanks to Jefferson stroke unit for their care, Holy Redeemer Hospice and Theresa, Samaritan Hospice of Voorhees and finally Comfort Keepers, all of their staff especially Lynn and the angel Solene. A special thanks to her dear friends, Clara and Jeannie and Dr. Monte Carlo and staff, we can not thank you all enough. Services Private. Arrangements by BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME, Deptford. For condolences, please visit www.boucherfuneralhome.com.

Catherine L. Picaud

August 7, 1928 - May 24, 2025