Catherine Devaux

1937 - 2022

Catherine Devaux
Catherine Mary Margaret Schweitzer Hallworth Devaux passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 5, 2022, surrounded by her children, after a brief illness. Cathy was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 21, 1937, the only child of Delia Piersig and Charles Schweitzer. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Killingworth, CT, where she attended and also taught the younger kids in a one-room schoolhouse. She attended Hand High School in Madison, CT and graduated in 1955. She attended UCONN for 2 years before transferring to Southern Connecticut State College in 1959, where she earned her degree in education. She began her career in Meriden, teaching at John Barry Elementary for 2 years, before taking a break to start a family. She married Eugene (Gene) Devaux on June 25, 1960 and moved to Durham the following year. They built a home that Cathy designed on Wheeler Hill Drive in 1969, where she would live the rest of her life. She resumed her career in 1966 at Memorial Middle School in Middlefield, CT, teaching math and then, history. In 1975, Cathy transferred to Strong School in Durham, CT, where she added English and Science to her teaching repertoire. In 1999, she moved from the classroom to take over library arts at both Memorial and Strong Schools, as the Head Librarian for the middle school system of District 13. She retired from District 13 in 2004. But this woman could not sit still. Upon retirement, she volunteered at the Durham Public Library, often called upon to create engagingly artistic displays. As a public servant, she served 2 terms on the Durham Planning and Zoning Committee, where she insisted on a common-sense approach. Cathy was a successful athlete. Her first love was softball, where she played, umpired, and coached until nearly 50. She was instrumental in launching Little League for Girls in Durham (in the early days of Title IX), coaching teams that found success at the local, state and regional levels. She coached Strong School basketball and softball teams, a serious proponent of the feeder programs for girls' and women's athletics. Hers was the yard where all the neighborhood kids would come to play – stickball, basketball, tennis, volleyball…even tether ball. And she was often in the middle of it all. Cathy was also a decorated bowler, as evidenced by hoards of trophies stashed in the basement. Cathy was also an accomplished artist. Her oil paintings decorated her house, and her jewelry creations adorned many ears and necklines. She exhibited her art and jewelry at the Durham Fair every year for decades, with myriad ribbons and awards. She played the piano with aplomb and loved when her kids would perform for her. She loved to share her gifts with friends and family; always the teacher, encourager, and supporter. Despite her vast achievements, her greatest pride and joy were her kids and grandkids. Cathy was predeceased by her mother, Delia; stepfather, Richard Hallworth; husband, Eugene Devaux; and grandson, Michael Gardner. She is survived by a son, David Devaux and his wife, Patty; grandsons, Andrew and Noah, of Berlin, CT; daughter, Nancy Devaux; granddaughter, Alex, of Richmond, VT; grandson, Christopher Gardner; great-grandson, Mason Gardner, of Las Vegas, NV; nephews, Bobby and Stephen Devaux; her beloved feline companions, Bonnie and Clyde; and numerous cousins, colleagues, and dear friends. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, November 10th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 11th at 11 a.m. at Mica Hill Cemetery, Durham. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cathy's memory to the Durham Public Library. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com