Catherine Ruth Cummings, beloved daughter, sister, niece, and cousin, passed away at home on June 2, 2022 after a longstanding illness. Catherine was born August 19, 1955 in Salt Lake City to Richard James Cummings and Donna Rae Gordon. She was dearly loved by her parents and younger brother, James, as well as her step-mother, Julie Christensen Cummings, and step-father, Bill Boem. Catherine had many loving uncles, aunts, and cousins on both sides of her family. In her earlier years, she had an especially close bond with both of her grandmothers, Grandma Rhea Cummings and Grandma Verona Scott.
Catherine graduated from East High School in Salt Lake. She enjoyed her college years and worked in many interesting professional positions. Catherine married early in life and was later divorced. In her youth, Catherine lived several years in Japan and Hawaii while her father, a professor of languages and humanities at the University of Utah, served in an educational capacity for the Department of Army. This gave Catherine many enriching experiences and an appreciation for other cultures. Her family enjoyed their extensive travels together and had a wonderful family life for many years. She and her brother James were particularly close and both had a shared love of writing. After her parents later divorced, she formed a warm relationship with her step-mother, Julie, and her mother’s second husband, Bill. Special thanks to Julie, and Cathy’s devoted friend, Barbara Black, for their support of Catherine, particularly during her later years.
Catherine was a talented violin musician and an avid reader, writer, journal-keeper, and poet. She leaves behind some beautiful poetry that family and friends will treasure. She loved folk dancing, Indian food, and her beloved cat, Peanut.
Catherine is survived by her step-mother, Julie, and by an uncle, Robert Cummings, an aunt, Angela Cummings, and by many cousins on both sides of her family.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, brother James, uncle Jack Gordon, aunt Luwana Gordon, uncle Bruce Cummings, aunt Jo Ann Cummings, and aunt Dana Gibb.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at the Emigration 21st Ward chapel located at 680 2nd Avenue in Salt Lake City on July 29 at 1:00 pm.