Catherine M. Nordstrom

Catherine M. Nordstrom, age 67, of Olympia, Washington passed away on September 18, 2022 after a heroic fight against cancer. Cathy was a joyous person, always looking on the bright side of life. She taught all of us how to have grace in the dying process with her sense of humor and never complaining or feeling sorry for herself. We will greatly miss her smile and adventuresome spirit.

Cathy was born in Olympia and was one of six children of Frances and Elmer Nordstrom, longtime residents of Olympia and Sacred Heart Parish. Both parents have preceded her in death, in addition to her brother Richard. Her surviving siblings include Sharon Baum of Olympia, Elaine Dougherty of Woodland, Chris Nordstrom of Seattle, Ken Nordstrom of Union. Nieces include Kim Wood of Tumwater, Keri Kirby of Snohomish. Nephews include, Scott Holmes of Snohomish, Kyle Nordstrom of Clatskanie, Micah Nordstrom of Portland.

Cathy attended Timberline High School, studied a year in England at Capernwray Bible School and received her degree at George Fox University in Portland.

She began her working career in Portland at The Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants and loved the challenge and variety of job responsibilities that she was in involved in, always stretching her limits. She had funny stories to tell about her enrollment in the Toastmasters International Club, and her fright of having to give speeches. After a long employment with the Certified Accountants, Cathy had a few other “corporate” jobs before she began employment at Tacoma Community College, as a Program Specialist in the School of Nursing. Again, she was enriched by the challenges and found ways to better the program.

After retiring, Cathy followed her lifelong dream and bought a home at the beach. The move consolidated her talents, with the environment, and gave her time to pursue her hobbies.

Cathy’s hobbies and interests were many and varied. In her youth she was active in team sports, tennis and hiking, eventually taking up kayaking even though she had a fear of the water and what lurked below. As an avid gardener, who passed the Master Gardener Course, she enjoyed creating gardens for herself and friends.

Cathy always had a home for cats, most often strays that she had taken in, cared for and loved dearly. She left behind her two precious buddies, Elvis and Brat. And even though Cathy never had her own therapy dog, she joined a Pet Therapy Program, trained and was able to partner with a dog owner, visiting hospitals and nursing home.

She developed a love for photography in her teenage years and easily learned new techniques to further her skill level She fine-tuned her skills and was then able to work in real estate photography including ariel photos, using her newly acquired drone, after getting her pilot’s license. Her dabbling in the art world all started with her photography. Then she began to teach herself new forms such as Encaustic Art, Mosaic’s and Acrylic Pour and Fluid Art. Her supply of unused art supplies was donated to the Art Department at Tacoma Community College. Her artistic and creative endeavors were always a main part of her life.

Cathy was a kind and gentle person who left us too soon.

We will be having a “Celebration of Life” Service at:

Saturday, November 19, 2022

11:00am

Mills & Mills Memorial Park

5725 Littlerock Road SW

Tumwater, WA 98512