Cathleen Mary Van Epps, of Bethany, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She left this world suddenly on September 25, 2023. Born on January 27, 1953 in New Haven, CT to the late William and Alice Silvestrini McMullen, Cathy leaves her husband, Dan; daughters, Meredith and her husband Alex Eilertsen and Rebecca and her fiancé Alex Strenta; two grandchildren, Wolfgang and Poppy; and her brother, Bill McMullen.

Friends and family were Cathy's joy, and she surrounded herself with friends extending back to her childhood. She was a lifelong teacher and children's librarian. Most recently she worked in the children's room at Clark Memorial Library in Bethany, where she derived so much happiness every day from the bright-eyed little ones. She loved daily walks in the woods with her dogs, Toby and Sarah, and gave much loving care to them both. Her spirits were always lifted by the many critters and birds in our woods and had pet names for them all.

Cathy and Dan have created an enduring legacy in partnership with the Bethany Land Trust to preserve in perpetuity more than 20 acres of forest adjacent to their home known as Van Epps Preserve, with Cathy's Emerald Trail named in her honor. We lift her to the Lord's arms, in remembrance of the good we saw in her and the love we felt from her.

Friends are invited to visit with her family on Friday, September 29 ^th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. A Memorial Mass celebrating Cathy's life will take place on Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1700 Litchfield Turnpike, Woodbridge. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Bethany Land Trust at www.bethanylandtrust.org .