Catherine Mary O'Brien
1964 - 2019
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Catherine
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Anthony Cappabianca posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
The O’Brien family,
Cate was a true master teacher. I was very fortunate to teach with her for many years. She was confident, encouraging and always added a little humor and a soft smile whenever we talked. A true Red Sox fan! Miss teaching with her and all of Ben-Hem. May God Bless you today and forever! Ephesians 2:1-10
Anthony Cappabianca
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Kerri Sirafos posted a condolence
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Dear O’Brien Family,
Like so many other stories told here Cate was one of a kind. It has taken me and my family many months to wrap our minds around this tragic loss. We considered her our family as she like many others have stated took or struggling daughter to the top. Still to this day I hear my daughter silently taking to “Ms. OBrien” she says even still when she is challenged she listens for her voice to guide her. The beautiful words she used to say to my daughter always encouraging her and the laughter and relationship they/we all shared will never be replaced. We miss you like crazy Catie. With all our Love The Sirafos Family and crazy Bruin of courses
S
Sally Perreten posted a condolence
Thursday, August 22, 2019
I've walked our little black dog past the O'Brien's house twice a day for over two years. It was always a brighter day when we met Catie, and she left a smile on the entire rest of the day. She was our dog Stella's very most favorite person. I think this says something improtant about Catie. The world is a less wonderful place without her. She was a person of genuine goodwill and I'll always miss her, though I never got to know her well enough.
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Gail Ronan posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Since I heard the news of Cate's passing, I have felt her presence throughout my days. I was a co-worker of Cate's- another tall, curly haired BC grad- who shared time and students at Bennett-Hemenway Elementary. She brought light and sensibility to all situations, a born teacher with the kindest soul and biggest heart. Cate had time for everyone and those who called her friend were doubly blessed. The image of her smiling face lives on and radiates through those who were touched by her. This thought provides some comfort to those of us left behind. I will forever choose to picture her in peace, swimming, gliding, in the early light of day, her loyal dogs shadowing her, knowing that she was the best of all of us.
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Julia Paltrineri posted a condolence
Monday, August 19, 2019
Mrs. O’Brien was my brother’s elementary school teacher (we are in the same grade) and I was able to get to know her well at a young age. In the following years, Mrs. O’Brien tutored my brother and then eventually myself for years. She even helped me get into my dream college. I will never forget sitting at my kitchen table with her for hours and hours, learning lessons from her on legitimately anything I struggled with. She taught me how to study, she taught me to become the writer I am today, and most importantly, she taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. Mrs. O’Brien had the biggest heart of anyone I knew and seeing her every week became a highlight. Regardless of who each person is, Mrs. O’Brien did not care, she treated every single individual like they were the most important person, and I’ll never forget that feeling she gave me. I had always looked up to Mrs. O’Brien, and I know how proud she would be of everyone she knows today.
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Erin Mulhern lit a candle
Saturday, August 17, 2019
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I feel like I was just getting to know Ms. O’Brien at St. John’s School. I’m really going to miss her.
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Katy Leahy (McKenzie) posted a condolence
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Mrs. O’Brien was my fourth grade teacher way back in 1991/1992. I was a great big ball of nerves at school, always in fear of performing poorly. Mrs. O’Brien made me feel so comfortable, and at home in her classroom. I’m still in touch with many of those 4th grade classmates and we were all equally saddened by the news of her passing. We wrote her a “rap,” at the conclusion of the school year and every one of us remembers it word for word to this day. It was about how much we would miss her and how we would always be there for her like she was for us. She was such an amazing woman and an inspiration to so many. She is the reason that I went on to become a teacher myself. I can only hope that I have half the impact on my students that she did on hers.
Warmest regards,
Katy Leahy
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Joanne Arico Anderegg posted a condolence
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Catie and I graduated Mercy High together. RIP.
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The Gozzi Family posted a condolence
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time. We are heartbroken and so very sorry to hear this news. We met Cate at Ben-Hem in 2001 when our oldest was entering kindergarten. We met in the office and she introduced herself and welcomed Logan to the school with her larger than life personality and smile. That was the start of their special relationship. Upon entering 4th grade, he was over the moon when he found out she was going to be his teacher. Our two younger sons were blessed to have her as their teacher and tutor for summer services for the past several years. She was always there to listen and guide our children and knew exactly what each individual child needed. She was more than just a teacher, she was someone very special and has left a deep and everlasting impact on our family. She was soft, calm, patient, and compassionate, she believed in and inspired her students but most of all showed them what kindness was. Although our daughter didn't have her as her teacher, they too shared a special bond. All through elementary school, they would share jokes when they would pass each other in the hall. She has touched so many children's and parents' lives in our community and she will be missed so deeply by so many. We will cherish all the teachings and memories you have filled our hearts with Mrs. O'Brien. May you rest easy Cate and may your everlasting light continue to shine down on all of us.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Love, Carolan, Joe, Logan, Rowan, Kieran & Quinn
J
Joanne Barros posted a condolence
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Ms O’Brien will always be such a special person in our lives. The fourth grade teacher for both our children Elora and Cole we feel so lucky to have been in her life. Her voice, warmth, care, love will always be with us. Such a loving, warm, gentle soul. A true bright light in the world who touched so many lives. We are crushed by this loss and the regular support and love we had from this wonderful woman. Rest In Peace.
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The McMahon Family posted a condolence
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family,
Our hearts go out to you during this time. We met Cate many years ago when my son, Sean, was finishing 3rd grade. It was then that we began having Cate tutor him. With Cate's help, the shy kid struggling with ADHD, is now a confident young man going off to WPI in a few days to study aero space engineering. I know our experience is not unique....Cate touched so many lives!! Sometimes, we don't recognize the angels among us. Cate was a blessing to us! It is with heavy, but grateful hearts that we say goodbye. Cate will remain in our hearts always.
Maureen, Mike, Sean, Mary...and yes Finn (our pup...a huge Cate fan)
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Alexandra Prim posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
I haven't seen Ms. O"Brien since I walked out of her classroom in 1997, but I think about her all the time. Even last week, I mentioned her dog Pax to my mother. She was a wonderful, wonderful teacher, and, even as a fourth grader, I knew how lucky I was to be in her classroom. Seeing that she's gone is heartbreaking to me, but I'm so grateful I got to learn from her about every subject under the sun -- including empathy, humor, and kindness. May she rest peacefully.
S
Susan Napoletano Diaz posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear OBrien family,
My sincere condolences to you at the loss of a beautiful, sweet woman gone from our lives way too soon. I am incredibly sad and share in your sorrow. Cathy and I had many good times and laughter as Mercy girls and friends. I never thought that our meeting a few years ago would be our last. My love and prayers are with you, my friend.
Sue Napoletano Diaz
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Bette and Ed Armstrong posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear Gene and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Catie’s passing .
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers .
In deepest sympathy ,
Ed and Bette
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Lori DiGisi posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
My prayers go out to Caitie’s family, the students she taught and tutored, and her many friends. Caitie and I swam every morning at the crazy hour of 4-5 am. The better swimmer, she always encouraged me both in swimming and in teaching. She listened to every story I told and put it all in perspective. Everyday, we would debrief lessons, conversations, and worries or concerns. Caitie would always reassure me and was the first to say, “ Remember, you are a good teacher. “ This was high praise coming from a master teacher and truly kind person.
Caitie loved openly and well. Whether it was driving every weekend from Massachusetts to Connecticut to be with her mom and then her dad, or to attend a family function. Caitie’s was incredibly proud of her family, especially her niece and nephew. Caitie was also a wonderful parent to three dogs that I knew- Pax, Murphy, and Boru ( who must be missing her terribly). Caitie treated those dogs as friends and loved walking in the woods or on the beach with them. They adored her and accompanied her everywhere.
Finally, Caitie brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to everything she did. Whether it was watching the Red Sox, reading aloud to students, or being a friend, she was the one who was there for you, no matter what.
I know that her spirit will be with us on the sparkling water, the wind in the woods, and in the stories we tell. Her faith was deep, and I know that if anyone smiles down from above, it will be Caitie O’Brien- especially on St. Patrick’s Day. May she Rest In Peace, reunited with those she loves.
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Lynne Harvey posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family, I'm so sorry for your incredible loss and may you know how loved she was by so many. Thank you for sharing your Cate with us. There are some people in life that have an impact so great it's beyond measure. She was one of those people. Cate was my oldest son's 4th grade teacher and summer school teacher as he qualified for summer special ed services. As well as my other children's summer school teachers. She was his first school teacher (he had been homeschooled prior). I can't begin to express to you the impact she had on him and us. If it wasn't for her he would've had a completely different path beyond 4th grade. She did what was right. We will be forever grateful to her. This same son is heading off to college this fall to double major in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. She was the one teacher I thought of all spring as he was getting acceptances and about to graduate high school because if it wasn't for her none of that would've happened. It was because of her ability to what was right above all else that saved my son. She was an amazing teacher that cared deeply for her students. There is not a parent nor student that will tell you otherwise. We were truly blessed in Natick to have had such a remarkable human be part of our families and community. Our hearts ache at the loss of Cate to this world and to the students and families she dedicated her life's work to. She lead an inspiring life and a legacy in our family and countless other families. When my youngest daughter had started out in a catholic school, but needed to transfer to Ben Hem for special ed services in the middle of Kindergarten and it was Cate who checked in on her from time to time to make sure Genevieve was settling in well and help with such a tough transition. She then taught her summer school that summer (last summer). She lived an inspiring life making a difference to so many and she will forever be missed. To have an impact on so many people in one life time is remarkable. She will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. May you rest in peace, Cate and may God comfort your family, friends and loved ones. William is going to work extra hard at college and beyond in your honor. He knows exactly the gifts you gave him and how you believed in him.
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Rori Rigueiro posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Ms. O'Brien is the greatest role model I could've ever asked for. I never thought I'd be able to even pass a test in math until she came into my life. She showed me that I'm not as dumb as I sometimes feel, she made me feel confident and actually excited to learn. She really believed in me no matter how much I was struggling. More than just a tutor, she was my friend. We talked about everything going on in my life and hers. Everytime something exciting happened I'd look forward to telling her at our next tutoring lesson on Tuesdays. I'll never forget all the laughs we've shared and the tremendous amount she's helped me. Ms. O'Brien truly made a lasting impact on my life.
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Mary L Crotty posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family,
Your wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was our son's fourth-grade teacher at Ben-Hem as well as his tutor this past year for eighth-grade math. She is an amazing teacher, woman and advocator. She will be greatly missed.
The Peace-Crotty Family
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Sheila Muir posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family,
I am so saddened for you and everyone Catie's generous heart has touched. I will always think of my friend and speak with her in my thoughts, and ask her for guidance from the heavens above. Catie's journey was short on this earth but was so powerful and meaningful. I am sure she has a lesson plan already laid out for all of us when we meet again. I miss you so much my friend.
All my Love, Sheila
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Henry Fiore posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Dear O'Brien Family,
Be assured that our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Catherine was truly dedicated to her ministry as a Catholic school educator. It was her vocation and calling, not just a job. Rest assured that Our Father in Heaven will take her into His loving arms for her commitment to the children and the commitment to the faith which we espouse.
Henry Fiore, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Norwich, CT
Tuesday
20
August
Memorial Mass
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Saint John's Church
161 Main Street
Old Saybrook, Connecticut, United States
- 34 Main St | PO Box 105 | Centerbrook, CT | 06409 | (860) 767-8000
www.rwwfh1894@gmail.com