Shirley Palmer Kingswood Cathey, 88, passed away on October 20, 2023, in Fallon, Nevada.
Born December 6, 1934, in Englewood, New Jersey, she was the eldest daughter of George and Thelma Kingswood. Shirley was later joined by a little sister, Nancy.
The family moved to Southern California in the mid-1940s due to work opportunities. Shirley enjoyed participating in church and school theater productions. She worked hard to become Worthy Advisor (President) in the Order of the Rainbow Girls Assembly. After graduating from Canoga Park High School in 1952, she received additional business training and excelled as an executive secretary for several attorneys and corporations until her retirement.
Despite a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 1970, Shirley maintained her independence and strong determination, enduring chronic pain and gradually reduced mobility.
In November 1977, she married Robert Cathey at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Encino, California. Several years later, they settled in their new home in Palmdale, California, where they lived until Robert's passing in June 2020.
Shirley later moved to Fallon to be closer to family, receiving loving care from her sister, Nancy Janess, and niece, Teresa Shaw.
Shirley was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. While in Fallon, she was active with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church as her health allowed. She especially enjoyed being on the church’s parade float during the 4th of July and Labor Day parades.
She loved plants, flowers, and gardens. But her true passion was animals, rescuing many homeless dogs and cats over the years and supporting animal charities.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers-in-law, Bill Janess and Keith Cathey; stepdaughter, Rhonda Attwood; nephew, John Tschopp; and great-niece, Nanci Shaw. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Janess; brother-in-law, Dan (Janet) Cathey; stepchildren: Ellen (Gary) Mitchell, Jennifer Cathey, Tricia (Lindsey) Hightower, Rebecca Morse, and Phillip Cathey; nieces and nephews: Teresa (Lawson) Shaw, Mike (Ginny) Janess, Katherine Tschopp, and Greg (Melissa) Janess; step-grandchildren; great-nieces and nephews; cousins; and her loyal dog, Sadie.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fallon on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 1 p.m. Interment will occur at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California, at a later date.
Shirley's bright, sparkling smile will be dearly missed by her loved ones.
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