Catherine B. Willett

Catherine B. Willett, 93, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and a lifetime of love shared with family and friends. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, she was the daughter of the late John S. and Zella Bragan (née McGuire), whose values of resilience, generosity, and warmth shaped the woman she became.

After completing nursing school, Catherine found her calling on the delivery floor at Hartford Hospital, where she devoted more than 40 years of her life. Her work brought countless new lives into the world, and her steady hands, compassion, and calm presence supported families through some of their most meaningful moments. Nursing was not just her profession—it was an expression of her deep care for others.

Catherine made her home in East Hartford, CT, where she lived for more than 65 years. She built a life rooted in community, family, and the simple joys that mattered most to her.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Brenda Willett (David Schrump) of Potomac, MD; Lauren Willett (Diana Sadler) of West Hartford, CT; Alicia Willett (Michael Wallace) of Andover, CT; Suzanne Willett (Mark Pinals) of New York City, NY; and her son William Willett (Valerie) of Harwinton, CT.

Catherine leaves behind seven grandchildren who were a constant source of happiness and pride: William Schrump, Christopher Schrump (Zara Shore), Colin Pinals, Danielle Pinals, Elizabeth Willett-Mindell (Lisa Mindell), Denise Willett, and William Willett (Nina Ng). She also leaves three great grandchildren—Zella Schrump, Zoe Schrump, and Felix Mindell, who brought her tremendous joy in her later years.

She is also survived by her sister, Viola Bragan of Nashua, NH, and her brother, Joseph Bragan (Ann) of Weatherford, TX. She was predeceased by her two brothers, John Bragan of Lowell, MA, and Peter Bragan of Bartlett, NH, and her grandson, Nathaniel Schrump of Potomac, MD.

Beyond her devotion to family and her long nursing career, Catherine embraced life with a joyful spirit. She loved ice skating, dancing, traveling, shopping, reading, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society in Manchester, CT and the East Hartford Senior Center, where she found friendship, laughter, and a community of women who shared her zest for life.

Those who knew Catherine will remember her spirit and the steady warmth she brought into every room. She had a gift for listening, offering comfort without judgment, and for making others feel truly seen. Her presence was a source of calm and reassurance, and her kindness left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the love and care shown to Catherine by Michelle, Marie, Janet, Raquel, Deta, and the entire staff at Aviva of West Hartford. Their kindness brought comfort and dignity to her final years, and their support will always be remembered with gratitude.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00pm at D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Milbrook Drive, East Hartford, CT 06118 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com