Catherine (Buckley) Fortier

October 6, 1950 - September 13, 2021

Catherine M. (Buckley) Fortier, 70, of Bristol and formerly of Southington, died Sept. 13, 2021, after facing MS for 35 years with courage, dignity and a wicked sense of humor. Born in Buffalo, NY, Cathy was the daughter of Mary (Guyer) Buckley of Kensington, and the late Myles A. Buckley. She graduated from Berlin High School and never disappointed as the Class of 1968's "Class Clown." After attending the former Briarwood College, Cathy spent several years as a corporate executive assistant. She then focused on raising a family, where her son, Christopher, and daughter, Karyn, grew up in a home and neighborhood full of fun, laughter, loud music, gratitude and determination. In her efforts to help individuals and families confronting Multiple Sclerosis, Cathy in 1991 founded the first MS support group in Southington. Despite the obstacles she faced, Cathy was a force of nature and, without fail, always the life of the party. In addition to her beloved mother and children, Cathy is survived by four brothers, Myles J. Buckley of Windsor; Jeffrey M. Buckley and his wife, Jo, of Georgia; Mark A. Buckley and his wife, Leann, of New Milford; and Patrick J. Buckley of Kensington; several nieces and nephews, extended family and faithful friends, including Nancy Urso. Cathy's family is grateful to the staff of Village Green of Bristol, with special appreciation to Michelle, Monica and Mark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (Sept. 20, 2021) at 10 a.m. DIRECTLY at St. Paul Church in Kensington. Interment will follow in Maple Cemetery, Berlin. Calling hours are Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bread For Life, 31 Vermont Ave., Southington, CT 06489, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 659 Tower Ave., First Floor, Hartford, CT 06112. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com.