Catherine Colleen Verboort died at her home in Sherwood, OR, on December 24, 2024. Cat was born November 16, 1974, in Downey, CA, to Bertie Hayes and Terry Carroll. She moved to Oregon with her parents Terry Carroll and Pat Carroll in 1978 and was raised in Dallas, OR.

Cat played softball and enjoyed activities at school and getting into shenanigans at many (many) church group functions. A talented musician, Cat sang and played piano and clarinet. Her musical abilities took her on many adventures, including a European tour with the Dallas High School Wind Ensemble. She also traveled to Washington, D.C., and received the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. She graduated from Dallas High School in 1993.

Cat’s inquisitive nature developed into an interest in police work, and she was honored to follow in her grandmother Mary’s footsteps as a woman in law enforcement. Cat studied criminal justice at Chemeketa Community College and then proudly graduated from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Police Academy in 1998. She worked as a Corrections Officer in Salem, a Police Officer in Lincoln City, and a Detective in West Linn. She was instrumental in several high-profile investigations and was known for her meticulous work and her compassion and kindness, especially with distraught families.

Fellow law enforcement officer Brad Verboort captivated her heart, and they married in Verboort, OR in 2006. She medically retired after an on-the-job injury and pivoted to a career in motherhood when her sons Gavin (16) and Ryder (13) were born. She loved taking them to the park and the local game center. As they got older, Cat cherished being the “go-to” house for her boys and their friends. The warm, welcoming environment she created was replete with abundant snacks, sodas, games, and couches for everyone to gather. Her heart was fullest when her home was full of the sound of kids’ fun and laughter.

Cat loved reading and took a keen interest in learning about WWII and the Holocaust. She particularly enjoyed books by Elie Wiesel. She was also passionate about researching and raising awareness of chronic pain conditions. To further raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Cat would be thrilled for people to support the Oregon Area Ehlers-Danlos Society.

Cat’s memory will be revered by many, including her husband Brad and sons Gavin and Ryder of Sherwood, OR; parents Pat of Salem, OR, and Terry of San Antonio, TX; sisters Victoria (Thomas) of Philadelphia, PA, and Terry of Bastrop, TX; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.