Catherine Woods Forbes

Catherine Woods Forbes of Sandy, UT, passed away at home September 11, 2026 at age 77 from mesothelioma.

Cathy was born December 5, 1948, in Salem, OR. She grew up in Salem and attended South Salem High School. Later, she attended Oregon State University where she studied education. She married Donald Forbes and had 2 children. A divorce led Cathy back to teaching where her influence in the classrooms of Tualatin Elementary and Twality Middle School changed lives.

Family was everything to Cathy. This was demonstrated in many ways, one of the most influential being raising her nephew, Eddie, her niece, Kimberly, and Kimberly’s 5 daughters, later adopting all 7 as her own children. Being surrounded by her family was one of her greatest joys.

As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cathy devoted her life to serving and loving others. One of her greatest passions was family history. This passion led her to serve in the Portland Temple and as a missionary at the Family History Library for many years.

It was often the small things in life that brought Cathy happiness. She loved her daily hot chocolate and kept bags of chocolate chips readily available around the house. One of her favorite activities was taking her grandchildren to Olympus Burger where all of the staff immediately recognized them as soon as they walked in the door. This is just one example of how she connected with others in a very easy way. Cathy left a positive impression on others everywhere she went.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Jean McCullough and Lynn Woods; her sister, Elizabeth Moore; her brother, Randy Woods; and her niece/daughter, Kimberly Naranjo.

She is survived by her children, Mollie Shutt (Jeff), James Forbes (Stephanie), Edward Conrad (Laura), Maria Forbes, Adrianna Christensen (Travis), Monaliza Forbes, Faviola Forbes, and Karina Campuzano (Ruben); and her grandchildren, Angelica Hernandez, Sophia Forbes, Jayda Shutt, Eve Conrad, Jayce Naranjo, Addy Forbes, Carson Shutt, Jeffrey Grunigen, Austin Forbes, Joel Conrad, Harrison Christensen, Weston Forbes, Hudson Christensen, Ruben Campuzano, Mila Campuzano, and Scottie Christensen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 9855 S 2300 E, Sandy, UT 84092. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, UT.

To view a recording of the service please click the "Watch Services" button above.