A lover of adventure and all that life had to offer, Catherine Margaret Palaia never missed an opportunity to try something new. She embraced every experience with curiosity, courage, and joy, and was a beautiful soul both inside and out. Catherine "Cate" Margaret Palaia, 24, of Stratford, Connecticut, died tragically on July 12, 2026.

    Cate was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 2002 to Lawrence and Cynthia Palaia. She was a quiet, gentle soul who approached each day with purpose—making plans, organizing her next adventure, or dreaming up a new creative project. She always had something "in the works." Cate attended Holland Hill Elementary School, Fairfield Woods Middle School, and Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall before earning her degree in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University. Her studies allowed her to pursue her lifelong passion for the ocean, marine life, SCUBA diving, and the outdoors.

    Wherever Cate went, she formed lasting friendships. She made a point of staying connected with those she loved, always planning the next gathering, the next trip, or asking, "Where do we go next?" She was talented in art, photography, and drawing—whatever she set her mind to, she could accomplish. Just as remarkable as her talents were her humility, kindness, and quiet dignity. Cate was authentically herself and treated everyone she met with warmth and compassion.

    From the age of 12, Cate dreamed of living the "van life." Over the past year, she lovingly converted a Ford F-350 van into a home on wheels that she planned to share with her best friend, Rachel Kane, and Skipper, her beloved dog. She spent countless hours researching every detail to create a space perfectly suited to their adventures. Last March, they embarked on a two-month journey to Maine, where Cate worked as an Endangered Species Observer aboard a tugboat in Casco Bay.

    Cate's passion for the outdoors was matched only by her love of the ocean. After graduating, she moved to Portland, Maine, where she worked as a Fisheries Observer with AIS/NOAA. Most recently, she continued following her passion by working for Orbit Marine in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She had earned her Divemaster certification and was also a Marine Research Diver, accomplishments of which she was immensely proud.

    Cate will always be remembered for the smile that could light up a room and for the way she wholeheartedly said "yes" to life. She traveled throughout Italy, France, Canada, Curaçao, Alaska, Maine, Gulf Shores, and along the East Coast on family adventures to Florida. While she loved traveling anywhere, Maine held a special place in her heart. It was where she hoped to one day settle after her van-life adventures.

    We could not have asked for a better daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, aunt, or friend. We will miss Cate every day, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

    Cate is survived by her parents, Lawrence III and Cynthia Palaia; her brother, Andrew (Shannon) Palaia; her grandparents, Lawrence Jr. and Donna Palaia, and Dexter and Faith Benedict; her uncles and aunts, Thomas (Sarah) Palaia, Alison Palaia and her husband Eric Quinlan, Patti Palaia, Deborah (Ken) Tkacs, and Heather (Mathieu) DeMoras; several cousins; a great-grandparent; great-aunts and great-uncles; and countless extraordinary friends. She was especially proud of being an aunt to Mary Judith and Mary Frances Palaia, whom she adored beyond measure. She also leaves behind her best friend, Rachel Kane, and Skipper, her faithful dog and constant companion.

    Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, July 21, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lesko Funeral Home in Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 22, at 10:30 a.m.at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Stratford. Burial will be private. For travel directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com. 

    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall in memory of Catherine Palaia.