It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved aunt and sister, Catherine Louise Thody, who passed away peacefully in Chandler Arizona, on April 30, 2023, from complications related to COPD. She was 73 years old. Born in Los Angeles on August 14,1949, she was raised in San Marino, California. Cathie graduated from San Marino High School before attending Weber State University and LDS Business College. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eventually, she returned to Southern California, where she had a varied career in legal, banking, retail and health care services.
Cathie was a devoted caregiver to her mother Trudie, who lived to be 100 years old, in both Palm Springs, California and Tempe, Arizona. In addition to her caregiving, Cathie was a talented artist who found fulfillment in creating pastel and watercolor paintings later in life.
She had a remarkable ability to remember names and dates, always making sure to remember birthdays and anniversaries of her extended family. Cathie was often the one to share family news with others. She was an avid fan of Dodger baseball, Let’s Make a Deal and Jeopardy, and her sharp memory and love of learning made her a force to be reckoned with at Scrabble, which she loved. One of Cathie's greatest passions was family history & genealogy, and she was the family historian. She spent countless hours researching and documenting our family tree, ensuring that our family's history and traditions were passed down through generations. She was always eager to share her knowledge and love of her family with anyone who showed an interest. Cathie loved holidays, especially her birthday, which she would anticipate and celebrate with great joy and enthusiasm.
Cathie is survived by her sister, Juliet Thody Curtis (L. David), 10 nieces and nephews, and 31 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude Neslen Thody Bennion and William Alan Thody, stepfather Adam Y. Bennion, brothers Louis Alan (Ladd) Thody and William Alan (Billy) Thody Jr. , and sister Jane Thody Breinholt (Robert H.).
Cathie will be remembered for her kind heart, her love of family, and her unwavering commitment to preserving our family's history. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Cathie's life on May 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Lakeshore Ward, 6001 S. Lakeshore Dr. Tempe Arizona. A graveside service will take place at Larkin Sunset Lawn in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 20th at 11:00 AM.
Thank you to Hospice of the Valley and the caregivers at Joyville Assisted Living Home for their tender care of Cathie the last few months.