Caterina “Catherine” Teti Obituary – New Britain, CT

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We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Caterina Catherine (Conidi) Teti at the age of 94, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Hospital of Central CT. Born in Filadelfia, Reggio di Calabria, in the province of Catanzaro, Italy, she was the eldest daughter of Bruno and Barbara Conidi. Caterina emigrated to the United States alongside her mother and sister, arriving via Ellis Island on the Marina Sharka on August 26, 1947, and settled in New Britain where she would spend her life. She was the beloved wife of the late Francesco Frank Teti, whom she worked tirelessly for a year to bring to America from Italy; he joined her, arriving at Ellis Island on the Vulcania on August 28, 1948.

Caterina was a remarkably gifted seamstress, taking up work just 11 days after her arrival in America. She dedicated her career to various sewing factories until her retirement in 1992, crafting everything from casual wear to elegant Bianchi wedding gowns. Beyond her professional achievements, she was a master knitter, creating an array of blankets, slippers, hats, mittens, and hot plates, which she generously shared with loved ones. An avid gardener alongside her husband, she preserved over 100 jars of tomato sauce annually from the 300 tomato plants in their garden and prepared marinated peppers and olives. Caterina expressed her love through cooking, ensuring Sundays were filled with the scent of simmering homemade sauce and meatballs, accompanied by the sounds of Italian radio. She was a cornerstone of her community, known for her freshly baked bread and prize-winning Italian cookies.