Catherine LeBlanc Von Hatten

Catherine LeBlanc Von Hatten passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2020 in Boulder, Colorado after a brief struggle with cancer. Born on May 20, 1954, Catherine was the eldest daughter of Dr. Joseph Le Blanc and his wife, Shirley. In early childhood, their family moved several times for her father to serve as a Navy doctor. These moves shaped Catherine in three key ways: she learned to build friendships easily, adapt to situations quickly, and find pleasure in new experiences.

Catherine’s family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas where Catherine attended St Anne’s Academy and met Michael Von Hatten. She married Michael in 1975, the same year she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. The two of them enjoyed a rich life together and raised their beloved daughter, Ashley, in St. Louis, Missouri. During their time in St. Louis, Catherine continued her education achieving a Master’s Degree from Washington University and Doctoral Degree from St. Louis University.

Catherine loved being part of a school; and no matter where she served, parents, students and colleagues fell in love with her hugs, warm demeanor, and her commitment to learning. She served in multiple positions in the School District of Clayton in St. Louis, Missouri. From teaching kindergarten and early childhood classes to serving as a teacher leader and then a principal and professional development director, Catherine embraced the challenges of new and complex positions.

In her final full-time role as Assistant Superintendent of Maplewood Richmond Heights, a district identified as unsuccessful by the state, Catherine worked tirelessly to reverse the long history of failure. Within a few years MRH was recognized nationally for its innovative practices. Teachers and principals at MRH remember Catherine as calm in the middle of chaos, kind, and both skillful and relentless in finding solutions to complex problems.

In retirement, Catherine continued as an active teacher, learner and participant in her community. She consulted with many school districts and was a consummate coach for a long list of highly successful teachers and principals. She took up water color when she and Michael moved to the island of St. Thomas for several years, drawing upon the beauty of the tropics for inspiration and continued her passion throughout the remainder of her life.

In 2011, Catherine and Michael moved to Boulder to be closer to Ashley and her husband John. Catherine’s life in Boulder was filled with the joy of family, her dogs (Henry and Pip), painting, and her community. Catherine was elected as the President of the Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District Auxiliary and was the editor of the Pine Brook Press. Fire Chief, John Benson, accurately described Catherine as “larger than life.” He continued, “There will never be enough words to describe what Catherine meant to each of us.”

Catherine is survived by her husband, Michael Von Hatten, of Boulder, Colorado; her daughter Ashley Von Hatten and son-in-law John Yerton, of Westminister, Colorado; her parents, Dr. Joseph and Shirley LeBlanc of Edmond, Oklahoma; her three younger sisters and their husbands: Joanne Williams (Daryl) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Mary Bailey (Ken) of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Jeanie Butts (Benjamin) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Catherine’s loss affects so many who turned to her. Those who knew her cherished her gentle wisdom, her love of the arts, and her lifelong commitment to children and their learning. Her life influenced communities and generations of young people, ensuring the world is a better place because she was part of it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Catherine_VonHatten .