Obituary of Catherine Mitchell Holly

On December 7, 2025, our beloved mother and friend Catherine Mitchell Holly passed away peacefully at the age of 74. She was born on March 6, 1951, to Barbara Mitchell Hutchinson Carothers and Henry Frederick Charles Carothers in Englewood, NJ. She lived there until moving to North Miami Beach, Fl, where she completed high school. Catherine later moved to El Paso, TX, where she married her first husband, Nelson Thatcher. After returning to their home state of New Jersey, she welcomed the first of her three boys: Ian in 1972, followed by Christopher in 1975 and Joseph in 1976. The family settled in Oceanport, NJ, where Catherine began working in the field of electronics. Following her divorce, Catherine dedicated herself to working hard and raising her sons. The new millennium brought new joy into her life when she began a new job and met her best friend and future husband, William "Billy" Holly. The two were married on November 18, 2001. She is preceded in death by her husband, William "Billy" Holly; her son, Joseph Michael Thatcher; her mother, Barbara Carothers; and her father, Henry Carothers. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Christopher Thatcher and Ian Thatcher; her daughter in-law, Jenny Thatcher; her brother, John Carothers; her sister-in-law, Janet Holly; her brother-in-law, Donald Holly; her grandson; her nieces; and her extended family and friends. Catherine found joy in spending time with her friends and family. She loved reading, listening to music, cooking and doting on her cats. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and the love she shared with all who knew her. All arrangements are private and under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .