A South Salem High School class of ‘67 choir friend. May memories of such a sweet lady fill your heart until you meet again . Bless all of you
Barbara Aleshire Beach
In Loving Memory
Catherine Woods Forbes
1948•2026
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Obituary
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.
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Tributes
Cathy was such a strong example of faith, hard work, wisdom, fun, and love. I will always cherish her as a friend in our Tualatin days and am grateful for the fine legacy she has left behind in her children and grandchildren❤️
Michelle Williams
Cathy was a delight to work with at Tualatin Elementary in Tualatin Oregon. She has so kind and thoughtful and a quick sense of humor to make situations less tense. She was so lucky to have all of her “children “, hers and others she took in, to make a beautiful life for all.
Pamela Langer
Cathy was one of our favorite people from when we lived in Tualatin for over six years. She had a heart of gold, and a great laugh and smile. One time when I was going through a stressful time and feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, she said “sometimes I feed my kids popcorn for dinner”. And I had to smile at that she was so human and approachable, but I know she worked so hard being a single mom with the 5 girls. She loved them ferociously, and cared deeply about them. She was a wonderful example of living the gospel to the fullest, and unashamedly. She served and humbly let others serve her. I admire her so much! She will be missed by many and has left a legacy of love. No better legacy than that!
Amy Fox
I have always loved Cathy as a Sister, and have some great and funny memories with her. When we were young teens, we were chosen to hoe bean fields for a farmer who we picked berries for. My Dad gave us a very BIG and HEAVY Hudson (1950 something other), which we lovingly named Heldagard, because she was Hell to drive! One day it poured down rain, and by the time we got back to the car, the road was thick mud, which of course Heldegard joyously got mired down in, and hopelessly stuck. So Cathy had the bright idea that she would drive, and I would get out and push. (See where this is going?) So, I got out, took up my spot behind Heldagard's back bumper, and I yelled, "Okay, hit it!!" Next thing I knew, I was being covered in airborne mud, and I fell flat on my face in the gooey, nasty muck! To an outsider, we probably looked like a 3-Stooges comedy 'shtick'! It was hilarious once I got rinsed off a bit in cold irrigation water. Cathy was my Sister, and my Friend, and I will miss her, and love her eternally.
Susan Nicholson
I Love You Forever Mama Cathy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ See you on Saturday🥰
Kawehi Sika
Kathy, you were such a dear friend for so many years & we loved living just down the street from you. You were my ward choir buddy (with the most fantastic grand piano ever!), my young women’s partner & support, the mom to some of the lovliest girls I know, you were my Book Club friend, and you taught Vtisn & me all about Family Search & helped us find our roots. With love, Lourie & Brian Rabe (formerly Judd)
Lourie Rabe
I loved Cathy because with all she was going through she presented happy front. she was dearly loved and the Family Search Library and by me.
Launie Johnson
Launie Johnson
When I think of discipleship, I think of Cathy. Whether it was toward her family that she sacrificed so completely for, church service or helping anyone I need - Cathy was goodness and love. Always. So grateful for the chance to know her, learn from her and be blessed by her giant loving heart.
Mandy Dickson
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