Catherine Minkiewicz was born in Canada. She studied architecture at McGill University before relocating to Long Island, New York with her husband, Michael. Minkiewicz transferred from McGill to Parsons School of Design's Interior Design Department in 1964, studying lighting design, figure drawing, art and design history, and -- of importance to her future career path -- public speaking. Among her classmates and friends were designers Bob Bray, Mike Schaible, and Larry Durham. She graduated from the program in 1966.

Following graduation, Minkiewicz designed commercial spaces for MIA Commercial Interiors, then Jones and Mogensen, Architects, both located on Long Island. The headquarters and regional offices of Con Edison, New York City's energy provider, were among her interior design projects. She left the workforce to raise a family, but later returned to college to complete degrees in the history of architecture and liturgy through the State University of New York. Following Michael's retirement, she became a family minister and served as Director of Lay Ministry and Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Boston, a career lasting over a decade.

The Minkiewiczes retired to Martha's Vineyard, where Catherine Minkiewicz serves as the Chair of the Christian Education Committee of her local church and as the president of a garden club.

A personal essay written by Cartherine Minkiewicz for a Kellen Design Archives-sponsored exhibition is available upon request.