Catherine Eileen Derby

Catherine Eileen (O'Keefe) Derby, 80, of Manchester, NH died December 21, 2005 at a local healthcare facility after a period of declining health.

She was born in Auburn, NY on October 19, 1925, the daughter of Michael J. and Johanna L. (Griffin) O'Keefe. She was a 1943 graduate of St. John the Baptist Academy in Syracuse.

Prior to retirement, she had been employed as a bookkeeper for Stroehman Brothers' Bakeries. She found her greatest joys in life being with family, actively attending and supporting her church, and playing bridge.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert E. Derby in 1972 and a son, Robert R. Derby in 1995.

Members of her family include three daughters, Maureen E. Kegley of Boulder, CO, Martha A. Kipp of Londonderry, NH, and Laura M. Underhill of Boulder, CO; one son, David C. Derby of San Diego, CA; five granddaughters, Elizabeth A. Kegley of New York, NY, Jessica E. Kegley of Los Angeles, CA, Laura M. Kegley of Dallas, TX, Bailey Underhill of Boulder, CO and Ellen G. Kipp of Londonderry, NH; one grandson, Robert D. Kipp of Londonderry, NH; nephews and nieces.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Joseph Cathedral Chapel on Wednesday, January 4, 2006. Spring burial was in Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Retirement Fund for the Sick and Retired Religious, Care of the Diocese of Manchester, PO Box 310, Manchester, NH 03105.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, handled the arrangements.