Catherine Mary (Burke) DeSimone, 83, of Derry, NH, passed away at her home on Friday, November 28th, 2025.

She was born on September 3, 1942, to Mary (Mahoney) and James Burke. Catherine was raised in Arlington, MA, and received her education at local schools.  She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She spent her early career as an educator, working for the Hampstead and Derry School districts.

Catherine married the love of her life, Frank Anthony DeSimone Jr., in 1965, and the couple raised their family in Derry, New Hampshire.  In the 1980s, she decided to take on a new adventure, opening and operating Run-A-Way Travel Agency. This endeavor allowed her to travel throughout Europe, the Caribbean and North America, including a place that was very special to her and her family, Hawaii.

Throughout her life, Catherine possessed a love of horses. She enjoyed caring for the many she had over the years, and participating in horse shows, trail rides, jumping events, and especially long leisurely rides with her many horse friends, throughout New England and Arizona.

Catherine became a snowbird to Green Valley, AZ, where she embraced the culture, landscape, recreation, and the many close friends she made.

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Catherine Mary Stanigar of Boynton Beach, FL; her son, Anthony Frank DeSimone and his wife Beth of Hampstead, NH; her grandchildren, Nicholas Crosier, Emily Crosier, Riley Morris, and Brady DeSimone; her sister, Edwina Marcus and her husband Hank; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by her loving husband of 41 years, Frank Anthony DeSimone, in 2006.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 5th, at 11am, at St. Matthew's Parish, 2 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church hall.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.