Cathy L Duerig
Peterborough, NH – Cathleen Duerig, 75, of Peterborough, New
Hampshire, passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2025, with her
family by her side, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born
on December 4th, 1949, in Salem, New Jersey, the daughter of Joseph
and Lois Loconti.
Cathy grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, where, from a young age, she
displayed a natural talent for sewing, crafting many of her own
clothes from fabrics and patterns she carefully chose herself. During
her four years at Natick High School, she discovered a love of music
and delighted in attending dances with friends.
She began her college journey at Cazenovia College before transferring
to Franklin Pierce University in 1969, where she met her lifelong
partner and husband of 54 years, Bill. Together, they shared a deep
love of music and concerts-a joy that would weave through their life
together. Later in life, Cathy often smiled at the sign on her wall
that read, “I might be old, but I got to see all the cool bands.”
After moving to Peterborough in 1983, Cathy poured her energy into
family life. With Bill, she raised their two daughters, Kerry and
Courtney, filling their home with love, laughter, and cherished
traditions. She had a special knack for Christmas shopping,
effortlessly building impressive mountains of gifts. Alongside her
mother, Lois, she created holiday celebrations that became treasured
family memories. Cathy was known for throwing unforgettable themed
birthday parties, applauding her daughters’ school performances, and
encouraging every new hobby or interest they pursued. Much of the
family’s everyday joy revolved around her kitchen, where she cooked
meals that became favorites for both family and friends. Always
capturing these moments on film, Cathy ensured birthdays, holidays,
and simple everyday pleasures were preserved in home movies to be
treasured for years to come.
Cathy was a partner in her family business, Paper Thermometer Co., and
worked there until retiring in 2010. In retirement, Cathy and Bill
spent winters in Naples, Florida, where she delighted in walking the
beach, collecting shells, and photographing sunsets and wildlife. She
enjoyed sharing these snapshots with the world, posting them on
Instagram to spread the beauty she found. They also loved supporting
local restaurants, both in Naples and Peterborough, and Cathy could
often be found in spirited conversation, debating her strong
conservative political principles.
Cathy had a gift for connecting with people. She loved meeting new
friends and could strike up a conversation with anyone, often staying
late at bars to swap stories of travel, concerts, politics, and
current events. Bartenders and staff knew Cathy and Bill by name, and
many became close friends. Together, they were the kind of people
everyone was happy to see walk through the door: warm, genuine, and
full of life.
Cathy’s passions were many: she cherished her collections of handbags
and jewelry, was a voracious reader with favorites including Anne
Tyler and Alice Hoffman, and enjoyed traveling to far-off places like
Europe and Alaska, filling her life with adventure and memories. Above
all, her heart was devoted to family. She loved her children and
grand-pets fiercely, taking joy in every moment of their lives.
Cathy will be lovingly remembered for her sharp wit, her passion for
the things she believed in, the way she noticed the little things, and
the love she gave so fully to her family and friends. She is survived
by her husband of 54 years, Bill, and her daughters, Kerry and
Courtney. She also leaves behind her cherished grand-pets, Kitty,
Farrah, and Remi, who brought her much joy.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 5th, from
3:00ย6:00 p.m. at the Waterhouse Restaurant in Peterborough. All who
knew her are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by emailing
cmduerig@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be
made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.