Mom, we will carry you in our hearts forever.

Our beloved family member, Catherine Ann Duke, 96, passed away on January 30, 2024.

“Cathy” was born in Gary, IN, on January 8, 1928, to Pietrantonio and Anna Riga. The family moved to Long Beach, CA, in 1944. Cathy graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and then attended Long Beach City College, where she met her husband of 30 years, James Edward Duke, Sr. Cathy was an energetic homemaker who juggled the needs of her large family while at the same time helping to build the family business (sales and service of restaurant equipment).

The family moved to Fullerton, CA, in 1963 and spent sixty years in the same home. Cathy was proud of her Italian heritage. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading numerous novels, gambling at the casinos, going to the movies, playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and attending bingo and poker parties. Cathy was an excellent cook, as were her mother and grandmother.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Pietrantonio and Anna Riga, brother Antonio Riga, and sister-in-law Freda Riga.

Cathy is survived by her sister, Esther Hause of Las Vegas, NV; daughter Melinda; sons James, David (Jamie), Tim (Jill), and Christopher (Michelle); seven grandchildren, Erika, Lacey, Jordan, Laura, Chelsie, Dante, Conor; seven great-grandchildren, Malachi, Luke, Levi, Audrey, Olivia, Nora, and Jackson; three nephews, Tony Riga, Ron Riga, and Jeffrey Hause.

Private services at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach, CA, will be held at a later date.