Catherine (Behrle) Pelletier

Catherine “Toots” Pelletier, of Southbury, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Shelton on May 28, 1923, to the late Christian and Catherine (Gilmartin) Behrle, she was a graduate of Ansonia High School and went on to lead an impressive 45-year career with the Farrel Corporation in Ansonia.

Beyond her professional life, Catherine was known for her fierce independence, musical talent, enduring sense of adventure and, of course, her discerning culinary palate. A lifelong lover of music, she played the concertina and shared her gift as a saxophone player in a local band. Whether she was leading her grandchildren on ice cream tours across the northeast or taking road trips with friends from the Ansonia Senior Center, she remained behind the wheel and full of life well into her 100th year. When she wasn't on an adventure, she could be found tending to her yard, managing her several bowling leagues, or volunteering with various local organizations.

Her greatest accomplishment in life, though, was her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Catherine’s family was truly her pride and joy. She especially cherished sharing her birthday with her great-granddaughter, Lily Catherine. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Diane Grazioli of Naugatuck; her grandchildren, Christopher Grazioli (Joanna Mattei), David Grazioli (Jill), and Tammy Christodoulopoulos (Panagiotis); and her four great-grandchildren, Brady, Lily, Adriana, and Niko, who will forever remember her affectionately as “Gigi.”

Family and friends may visit on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin Street, Ansonia. A brief blessing will be held at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.

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