Catherine Saffer Stephenson

Catherine (Cathy) Saffer Stephenson, a decades-long resident of the Upper West Side of Manhattan, died from ovarian cancer on her 60th Birthday, August 28, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends, including her long-time devoted partner, Jason E. Klein, of Carmel, NY. Cathy was a dearly loved, wonderful, smart, funny, wise, and caring person to all who knew her. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

Catherine Gail Saffer was born on August 28, 1963 to Helen and Walter Saffer of Morristown, NJ. She grew up in Maplewood and Short Hills, NJ. Cathy went on to earn a BS in Decision Sciences from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and, later, an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Cathy was the Co-Chair of the Harvard Business School Club of NY’s Social Enterprise Division, the Community Partners Pro Bono Management Consulting group for nonprofits. For over a decade, she was very active in this group, which engaged in civic projects that were Cathy’s pride and passion.

Cathy and her friends organized a team for the 2023 Cycle for Survival fundraiser for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she was a patient. “Cathy’s Crew” raised nearly $250,000 for ovarian cancer research.

Cathy’s work career included McKinsey & Company where, from 2013-2022, she was Global Practice Manager of the Global Corporate & Investment Banking Practice and, before that, nine years as Senior Vice President and Head of The Chess Team at Foote, Cone & Belding; and Deputy Managing Director for Tokai Bank Europe.

Cathy’s biggest pleasure in life was spending time with her children, family, and friends, many of whom were lifelong.

Besides her beloved partner Jason and adoring parents Helen and Walter, Cathy is survived by her treasured children, Sam and Sarah Stephenson. Cathy is also survived by her dedicated, loving brother, Rob Saffer of Woodstock, NY, her former husband Michael Stephenson, her aunt, Claire Adler, her aunt and uncle, Joan and Sanford Weill,and many other relatives and adoring friends.

A Memorial Service will take place at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 W 76th St, New York, NY, at 11:30AM on Tuesday, August 29. The Burial will take place immediately afterwards at King David Memorial Gardens, 101 Mill St, Putnam Valley, NY 10579.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cathy Saffer Stephenson’s honor for Ovarian Cancer Research to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NY at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/InHonorofCathyStephenson