Catherine M. (Paganini) Heuschkel

Torrington - Catherine M. (Paganini) Heuschkel, 84, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family Wednesday, August 14, 2024. 

        Cathy was born in Torrington on September 17, 1939, daughter of the late Frank and Gertrude (Tripaldi) Paganini, remaining a lifelong city resident. Professionally she worked at the Torrington Company in a variety of positions starting in factory operations and moved into finance, working in accounts payable and purchasing/supply chain where she then retired from in 2001 after 35 years.

        Cathy found joy in the kitchen, where she was an avid baker, especially of wedding cakes and her famous christmas cookie platters. When she wasn’t baking, she was either brewing a pot of coffee to sit and enjoy with friends or busy preparing her Sunday night family dinners of spaghetti and meatballs. Cathy loved sharing her recipes, often leaving out an ingredient or a measurement, knowing it would make you miss her even more.

        She treasured her yearly summer vacations in Wells, Maine, where she started the tradition of giving Christmas ornaments to her grandchildren. Cathy brought the magic of Christmas to life—nothing compared to Christmas morning at her house, the smell of bacon cooking, 300+ ornaments on the tree, and Elvis’ Christmas album playing in the background.

        Above all, she was the matriarch of the family and took immense pride in caring for them, particularly her five grandchildren. Family and life's special moments were incredibly important to her, and she meticulously documented everything in her detailed journal. If you knew her, you're in there—secrets and all. She was a remarkable woman to everyone who knew her.

        Survivors include four sons, Christopher Heuschkel (Dina Julian), Thomas Heuschkel Sr. and his wife Jacqueline, Timothy Heuschkel and his wife Aimee, and Todd Heuschkel; five grandchildren, Erica Heuschkel, Rylee Heuschkel, Leah Heuschkel, Thomas Heuschkel Jr., and Gavin Heuschkel; a sister, Lucille Newell, two brothers, Monsy Paganini and David Paganini and his wife Karen; a sister-in-law, Patricia Colangelo, along with many nieces and nephews. Catherine was predeceased by a son, Charles Heuschkel Jr.; and two brothers, Frank Paganini Jr., and Dominic Paganini.

        A line from her favorite artist Patsy Cline - “When my feeble life is o'er time for me shall be no more. Guide me gently, safely o'er to thy kingdom's shore, to thy shore”

        A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Valerie Manor in Torrington for the exceptional care and love they consistently provided over the past two years. She loved you all like family! 

        A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00a.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington. Friends may call Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00a.m. at the funeral home.

        Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or Make-A-Wish America (wish.org/donate).

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