Catherine Durstin

Catherine Durstin (Schibi), age 92, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026. She will always be remembered for her kind, witty, and warm personality; quite simply, everyone who knew her and loved her.

Born and raised in Torrington, CT, Catherine was the beloved daughter of the late Ulrich and Catherine Schibi. Growing up, her home was filled with life and laughter. Because her father served as the local animal warden and deeply believed in animal preservation, Cahterine grew up surrounded by all kinds of animals, from goats to dogs and cats – a unique upbringing that shaped her compassionate heart.

After graduating from Torrington High School, Catherine began working as a secretary at the Torrington Company. It wasn’t long before she married the love of her life, Andrew Durstin, and dedicated herself to building a beautiful family. Following the birth of their daughter, Mary Kris, Catherine happily stepped away from the workforce to become a devoted stay-at-home mom. When Mary Kris started kindergarten, Catherine took a part-time job at Burger King. What started as a whim turned into a beloved 25-year career during which she met some of her closest, lifelong friends. She eventually retired to step into her favorite role yet: being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

The simplest things brought Catherine the greatest happiness. She loved walking outside on sunny days, the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, a good hot fudge sundae with extra nuts, and above all, spending time with her family and friends. She was also a dedicated member of the Goshen Agricultural Society and loved indulging in her favorite fair foods every Labor Day Weekend. She especially loved the holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas were two of her favorite days of the year. She enjoyed a good party and any excuse to cook for a crowd. Later in life, she found great joy playing bingo and mahjong with her friends and fellow residents at Workman Apartments and ultimately Wolcott Hall Nursing Center.

Catherine leaves behind a rich legacy of love, warmth, and laughter. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Mary Kris Fraher and her husband Scott of Goshen. She was the cherished grandmother of Melissa (Fraher) Bates and her husband, Andrew, and Michael Fraher and his wife, Haley (Woodard). She also leaves behind her two precious great-grandchildren, William and Ella Bates, who brough immense joy to her final years. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Joanne (Beyus) Durstin and multiple nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Andrew Durstin; her sister, Clara McMaster (Schibi); and her brothers, William Schibi and Michael Schibi.

Catherine’s family wishes to extend a special thanks to the residents and staff at Workman Apartments and Wolcott Hall Nursing Center for the exceptional care, compassion, and companionship they provided to her.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT. Flowers are welcome and may be sent directly to the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 160 Main St., Torrington, CT. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Francis Church. All are welcome in celebrating a beautiful life. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made in Catherine’s honor to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111 or to the Goshen Volunteer Fire Company, 181 Sharon Turnpike, Goshen, CT 06756.