Obituary of Catherine G. Nest

Nest, Catherine Grace - affectionately known as “Kay ” of Fort Lee age 90 on December 5, 2015. Kay was the only child of Dominick & Felicia Santangelo, a politically prominent couple of North Hudson. Her father, a lawyer, died at an early age and her mother was the registrar of Vital statistics for West New York, NJ for 45 years and was extremely active in multiple charities, professional organizations and was a community activist; it was she who Kay would take as her role model. After attending Fordham University, Kay married Richard A. Nest, a future partner in Deloitte, Touche, in 1950 and moved to Fort Lee in 1959 both of them making a commitment to the town and its people. That devotion has spanned better than half a century. Kay would get involved politically early on and was involved in local and county government from Burt Ross thru Mark Sokolich. She and her husband, Dick stepped up to leadership positions, he becoming Mayor, Chairman of the Democratic Party and Parking Authority Chairman all in Fort Lee until his sudden death in March of 2000. Because everyone recognized Kay in her own right as being a community leader, she was appointed to the Chairperson position of the Democratic Party, the Parking Authority and Housing Authority. Mrs. Nest never said no to Fort Lee in any of its causes, endeavors or charities. Kay energetically volunteered her time to Deborah, Lions, Rotary Clubs and UNICO. She was Chair Emeritus of Fort Lee Democratic Party, Parking Authority and Housing Authority, Vice – Chair Bergen County Democratic Party & the Fort Lee Film Commission; Chairman of The Fort Lee Senior Center, Board Member of Bergen Co. Housing Authority, NJ Casino Commission and Former member of the Board of Governors of Palisades General Hospital. Kay is survived by her cherished and devoted son Richard B. Nest. All are asked to join in the celebration of Kay’s Life Tuesday December 8, 2015 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm at the Frank A. Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street, opposite the Fort Lee Library. Her Funeral will leave Wednesday 10:15 am for a Mass of Resurrection in the Main Madonna RCC at 11:00 am followed by the entombment in Madonna Mausoleum. Please in lieu of flowers memorialize her with a donation to the Richard A. Nest Adult Activity Center. For further information call (201) 944-0100 or frankpatti.com