Obituary of Elizabeth T. Catarius

Elizabeth (Turner) Catarius, 74, passed away on October 31, 2024 at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford, CT.

She was born on August 24, 1950, in Boston, MA to the late Joseph and Winifred (Mahoney) Turner.

Liz was the beloved wife of Paul Catarius, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. She was a dedicated mother to her sons John and Brian Catarius and a second mother to her daughter-in-law, Sarah Zucker. The greatest joy of her life was her beloved granddaughter, Vivian Catarius, who will carry forward her legacy with love and strength. Liz is also survived by her sister, Joan Flynn of Maine and 14 loving nieces and nephews. Her generosity and caring nature continue to inspire us, and she will forever remain in our hearts.Liz was preceded in death by her sisters Mary Palmer, Anne Rice, and Winifred Paine, as well as her brother, Charles Turner.

Liz was a warm, kind, and vibrant woman who dedicated her life to raising her sons, caring deeply for her family, and nurturing the children of her community through education. Loved by all who knew her, Liz was intelligent, outgoing, and principled - an absolute treasure with a generous heart and bright spirit.

Liz had a beautiful energy that she shared with everyone around her, bringing warmth and intention to everything she did. Whether she was designing and decorating her dream home in Kennebunkport, Maine, alongside her husband Paul, or asking the most thoughtful, caring questions, Liz’s spirit always shined. She devoted her time and energy to what truly mattered: cherishing her close friendships, engaging passionately with politics, doting on her granddaughter, and finding joy in daily walks with her beloved golden retrievers. An avid reader and a spirited traveler, Liz sought out experiences that fed her soul. Her incredible cooking and baking brought family and friends together on holidays and quiet Sundays alike, creating cherished memories that will endure. Liz’s life was a testament to living fully, with love, warmth, and a commitment to what truly counts.

In addition to her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Liz was also an educator. Liz served her community for over 44 years in the teaching field, with 13 of those years as the principal of Emerson-Williams Elementary School in Wethersfield, CT. She was valued by everyone she worked with as a dedicated, passionate teacher and administrator and helped to shape countless lives through her dedicated career.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11:00 am at Saint Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Road, South Glastonbury. Friends may call on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury. Memorial donations may be made in Liz’s honor to Connecticut Foodshare, 2 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.