1932 - 2023

Catherine S. Baecker (nee Kruse), age 90 of Toms River passed away

peacefully on Saturday, 2/18/2023.

Born in Christ Hospital in Jersey City to Charles and Sophie (nee

Breckwoldt) Kruse, she lived in New Jersey all of her life and she and her

husband retired to Greenbrier Woodlands in Toms River.

Catherine graduated from Memorial HS in West New York and married the

love of her life, Philip J Baecker in 1953 in Weehawken. She was an active

homemaker and participated in many diverse activities; Two- time

President of Emerson Woman’s Club, President of WOW Golf Club at

Greenbrier Woodlands and many other appointed clubs. Playing Mah

Jong, Shuffle Board, Bingo, Dominos, Scrabble and Words with Friends,

were her favorites. There are so many fond memories of raising a family in

Emerson and especially at the Jersey shore with family and friends and in

retirement, her excursions around the world with her hubby, children and

grandsons.

Catherine is survived by her son Philip and wife Sandi. Grandsons; Brian

Baecker (Erin), Michael, Ryan and Christopher Murphy. Nephew David,

nieces Cheryl, Janeen, Lavonne and Wendy. She was predeceased by her

loving husband of 64 years, beloved daughter Valerie Murphy and brother

Naval LCDR Charles H. Kruse Jr.

Kay was a devoted wife, mother, nana, aunt and friend. She will be lovingly

remembered and missed by family and friends. May her memories live in

our hearts, forever.

A private Christian service will take place at her final resting place in the

Bell Towers at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus,

NJ.