Catherine Jean Behrens, 67, of Canton, daughter of the late Charles W. and Barbara R. (Stromgren) Behrens, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, after a brief illness. She leaves behind her brother, Charles Shepard “Shep” Behrens and his wife Mary of Southington and her beloved cat Benjamin, now of Southington, along with many dear friends and relatives. Cathie was born in Hartford and was raised in West Simsbury on the small family farm where she discovered her love of horses. She graduated from Simsbury High School in 1968 and from Duke University in 1972, where she was first employed after college. She later returned to the Simsbury area where she was employed by the University of Hartford and for many years at the First Church of Christ in Simsbury, having retired in May. She loved to ride horses and competed for many years in Dressage. She loved crafting, especially card making, and also was an avid reader. Cathie was a member of the First Church of Christ, Simsbury and the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the D.A.R.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Thursday, September 7th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, September 8th at the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial in Simsbury Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Church of Christ or to a charity of your choice. Please visit Cathie’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.