Obituary of Catherine K. Arrix

Catherine K. Arrix of New Canaan, CT passed away peacefully in her home on May 5, 2022. She was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on June 16, 1935 to the late Catherine and John Kervick. She was 86 years old. 

Cate was the second daughter in a family of five girls. She graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, New Jersey, class of 1953 where she was recognized as a good student and an accomplished pianist. She then went on to graduate from Trinity College in Washington, D.C.. Cate was a natural leader and elected Class President her senior year. Following her graduation in 1957 she went on to start her career as a buyer for Lord & Taylor in New York City.

Cate spent many of her summers at the New Jersey shore, where she would eventually meet the love of her life, Bob Arrix. Bob and Cate were married April,12th 1958 at Saint Rose of Lima Church, in Short Hills, New Jersey. They initially settled in Westfield, New Jersey where they and their first four children lived for nine years. Cate was an active member of the Junior League. As their family grew, Cate and Bob moved to New Canaan, Connecticut in 1967, where they would become pillars of the community for over five decades. Cate was a devoted Catholic and was very active in her parish St. Aloysius as well as other organizations in town. As her children grew up in New Canaan, Cate was there every step of the way and was a permanent fixture at school events, soccer, hockey, field hockey, tennis and lacrosse games. Following her children into their college years, she attended parent’s weekends regularly. She has been a member of Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT since 1975.

Cate relished life and lived it to the fullest. She was best known for her constant positive attitude, generosity, selflessness, and lively sense of humor. She was a compassionate and caring person who went out of her way to help support family and her many friends. Cate was an avid reader, enjoyed relaxing at the beach, traveling to Florida, but most important of all was spending time with her family. Taking care of her 19 grandchildren and great grandson was the greatest joy of her life. 

Cate was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2019 and her two sisters Joan Corbet and Margaret Hatton. She is survived by sisters Eileen Connelly of Pound Ridge, NY and Mary Kervick of Colorado Springs, CO. Cate leaves behind six children Michele, Bob John, Tom, Chris and Kevin as well as her son-in-law Terry Whelan, daughters-in-law Margaret, Bonnie, Kathy, Shelly and Kirsten. Cate was blessed with 19 grandchildren who affectionately called her Grammy: Allie, Chris, Caroline, Megan, Jack, Emilie, Julia, Robby, Sam, Catherine, Mathew, Annie, Kit, Ollie, Lindsay, Charlotte, Will, Thomas and Finlay. She was also blessed with one great grandson, Charlie.

A mass celebrating Cate’s life will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church 21 Cherry Street, New Canaan on Wednesday, May 18th at 10:30 am. The family will be receiving friends at 10:00 am at St. Aloysius prior to the mass.