Catherine M. Derby, 55, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Catherine was born in Manchester, CT, on September 15, 1960, the daughter of Thomas J. Derby Sr. of Camden, ME and the late Margaret "Peggy Anne" Brault Derby of Manchester, CT. Catherine was a graduate of East Catholic High School, Manchester, CT in 1978; and of St. Joseph's College, West Hartford, CT in 1982 with a B.A. in Economics. She enjoyed an active insurance career, managing financial operations for multiple Fortune 500 companies. She had a lifelong passion for literature and art. Catherine also loved music, dancing, her cats (she rescued and cared for many), and attending sporting events. She was known for enthusiastically supporting her Reds, Bearcats, Huskies and Whalers. Catherine, one of nine children, is survived by four brothers and two sisters: Kevin Derby and Noreen of Manchester; Susan and John Pouliot of Windsor; Dr. Mary Derby of Tucson AZ; Patrick Derby of East Windsor; Timothy Derby and Rebecca of Ellington; Michael Derby and Cheryl of Marietta GA. Catherine is also survived by several nieces and nephews, her boyfriend John Nare and best friend Michael Brundjar. In addition to her mother, her brothers Brendan and Tom predeceased her. Her gentle, kind, fun loving ways, as well as her distinctive boisterous laugh and giant smile, will be very much missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered as a loyal friend and family member, with a kind and generous heart. A spring funeral is planned in Manchester, CT, where she will be laid to rest. Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 15th from 5 to 7pm at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester. Her funeral service will begin on Saturday, April 16th at 9am at the Tierney Funeral Home, followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester and interment in the family plot at the St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Margaret Derby Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (memo line: Margaret Derby Scholarship, in memory of Catherine) and mail to the University of Saint Joseph, Institutional Advancement, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT, 06117. Online donations can be made to the Margaret Derby Scholarship, in memory of Catherine Derby at www.usj.edu/give. Donations can also be made to the Humane Society. To share memories of Catherine, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.