Catherine Elaine Rogers

Catherine Elaine Rogers Stokes passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. Catherine was a woman of strength and grace, whose life was defined above all by her love of family. Catherine was born on February 2, 1941, daughter of the late Elaine Cook and Charles F. Rogers, Jr. She spent most of her life in New Canaan, CT, and has deep family roots in the town. She attended Center School, and Saxe Jr. High School, graduating from Low-Heywood in Stamford.

After attending Connecticut College, Catherine married and started her career at Robert F. Wagner, Inc. in New York City. From there she worked for Princeton University, Xerox Corporation, and continued her marketing career at Milcom Health Communications, The Senior Network, and finally at the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging. Her last role truly encapsulated her belief in "aging gracefully", advocating for programs to ensure seniors continue to lead an active, healthy and rich life.

Adventurous by nature, she was a world traveler who never stopped exploring. She believed there was a wondrous world out there to explore and experience. In retirement, she especially seized the opportunity to travel. Whether it was accompanying her daughter and grandson on a science trip to the Florida everglades, traveling across the country to hike and see the National Parks, or going to a dude ranch in Wyoming, she embraced life with courage and curiosity. One of her life-long dreams was to travel to Africa to see the wildlife. She was able to go on this adventure with her late husband, Bob Stokes.

Her real passion was for life; this included prayer and meditation, camping, travel, hiking, windsurfing, dancing, sailing, and gardening. As a testament to her fearless spirit, she continued windsurfing until the age of 65, inspiring those around her with her energy, determination, and joy for life. Her faith was a guiding force throughout, shaping her values and strengthening her resolve. She also cared deeply about her health, approaching life with discipline and intention, valuing both physical well-being and inner strength. Catherine was a pioneer in embracing healthy living, and was an early advocate for wholesome food and regular exercise-values she instilled in those around her. She was an avid reader, lover of books, and a life-long learner. She also found great happiness in her marriage to Bob Stokes. Their union brought her immense joy and companionship, enriching her final years with love and laughter.

Catherine believed deeply in unity, understanding, and cultivating genuine relationships with all. Her style was impeccable and she loved to entertain, taking pride in creating a warm home to which she always welcomed friends and family. With the table set nicely and flowers around the house, Catherine enjoyed engaging in stimulating conversation, even if she "agreed to disagree". She worked to build solid relationships with family, friends, and the many people that she met throughout her life. The relationships she built with many were rooted in trust and mutual respect. She was kind, respectful, and fair. Catherine cared deeply and loved fiercely.

Above all, her children and grandchildren were the light of her life-her pride unmistakable, her love unconditional. She is survived by her two children, Caroline Murphy Cyr (Jim) and Matthew Murphy (Meg); her five grandchildren, Sam and Grace Douthit, Elizabeth, John and Ryan Murphy; and her devoted sister, Laurie Rogers (Bob McGregor). She was preceded in death by her brother, John Rogers, and her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Stokes. She also leaves behind step-children, nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished having in her life.

A trusted friend and confidante, she offered wisdom, honesty, and unwavering support to those she loved. She was strong-willed with an iron resolve, a role model to many, and admired for her resilience, fairness, and character.

Catherine will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her adventurous spirit, her caring heart, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the relationships she built, and the values she passed down. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service to honor Catherine's life will be held this spring. Details will be shared with family and friends and posted online.

The Rogers family is being compassionately cared for by the Staff at Hoyt Funeral Home 199 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840.

For Online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

If one wishes to make a donation in Catherine's memory, kindly consider giving to an organization supporting healthy living or conservation - causes dear to her heart.