Cathy and I met in 1994, when we moved in next door-we became good friends, not just neighbors-she was always there for me in times of need. She taught me so much and most importantly, helped me navigate motherhood! Over the years and many moves, we kept in touch, I feel like I lost a sister. Rest easy Cath-Lee, God Bless the Harlow family at this difficult time. 

Graduation

Like Denise, I knew Cathy from High School and spent so much time in that fun Smith household.  I think I was their honorary brother and all Smith girls were my honorary sisters.  The four girls were all a year apart, except for Cathy and Trisha, who were 2 years apart.  My age actually fit me in that extra year between Cathy and Trisha.  I was lucky to see Cathy and Larry a few times through the years, and like Denise said, no time passed between us.  When we did talk, I always got updates about Trisha, Leigh Ann and Belinda.  Oh those fun days with the Smith girls at the house on Burbank Bl in Woodland Hills.  Last time we touched base was when Ollie passed away  and she let me know.  Cathy and use to torment Ollie, as teenagers often do.  To all of the family, I’m so sorry for your loss and share your grief - she was a great friend.

“If We Must We Must”. These words were Cathy’s blend of humor and practicality. When we were in middle school, I noticed we had the same SDC notebooks. Turned out our dads worked for the same company. I asked if she wanted to have lunch together that day, to which she replied “If We Must, We Must”. Little did I know those words would encapsulate our bond.

One of my favorite memories is Cathy and I riding horses. We did a lot of that. We would take the horses on trails and let the horses drink from the creeks. Cathy LOVED the show Rifleman and LOVED the son, Mark even more! We would pretend we were at the creek with our horses waiting for Mark to join us.

So many parallels in our lives. We attended the same College, both settled in Santa Maria, married the same year and overlapped pregnancies with our first 2 kids. We had the kind of relationship that could be silent for a long time, but with one phone call it was like no time had lapsed. We navigated through ups and downs during those calls.

Now as I face the difficult reality of living without Cathy, I can still hear her voice in my head saying those words she used so many times before: If We Must, We Must….

Cathy was a great friend. I'll miss her and that laugh..you know geese? Love you CATHY JEAN.  Love to the family.

Love the wonderful photos of Cathy and the family. God Bless you all and my sincere condolences. Bill