Teolinda Rojas Cathey

Teolinda Rojas Cathey of East Haven, formerly of Branford, died on March 11, 2026 at Whispering Pines in East Haven after a long illness. Born in Chile on November 29, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Luis and Carmen Hidalgo Rojas.

Teolinda worked for many years as a social worker for the State of Connecticut before retiring. She dedicated her life to helping others through her volunteer work and fostering.

She is survived by her children, Tony (Dawn) Cathey of Hamden, Vanessa Cathey of Branford, and Mary (Bernhard Eichholz) Gardner of California; six grandchildren, Kacia Badiali, Tiffany Cathey, Logan, Erica, Kevin, and Trevor Cathey; and two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Benjamin Leary. She is also survived by her sister, Elena Ordenes of Miami, Florida, her nieces, Lorraine (Robert) Real, Donna (Ed) Castle, and Audrey Ordenes, and several grandnieces and grandnephews.