Catherine Elizabeth May

Born November 21, 1951, Santa Barbara, CA.
Deceased January 7, 2010, Seattle, WA.

After a long struggle with multiple illnesses and physical limitations beyond her control our beloved sweet Cathy is at peace. Cathy was an extremely strong woman, she withstood countless doctor visits and strived to manage her many medical issues with grace and courage.

Raised in Santa Barbara, Cathy was baptized and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church. Cathy graduated from Santa Barbara High in 1969 and attended Santa Barbara Community College for two years. She also attained a BA degree in paralegal studies at San Francisco Community College. Cathy loved to return to Santa Barbara for vacations and family visits.

Cathy enjoyed an active and successful career in the legal field as a Paralegal. Her interest in all matters of law that related to the field of medicine made her the “go to” person for her colleagues. Cathy’s wide knowledge of the medical and legal fields proved to be an asset to every firm that she was associated with. She enjoyed the work and the community that the legal field provided.

Our sweet Cathy was a loving mother, daughter and wife. She is survived by her mother Ruth Harrison of Santa Barbara, her beloved son Sean, of Federal Way, and her loving and devoted husband Bill, also of Federal Way, brother John Wade of Sherwood, OR, and her sister Patty Hawkins of Los Angeles. Cathy has many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles that will miss her dearly as time goes on.

Cathy created a wonderful garden with many differing kinds of roses and lilacs, her garden was the delight of many visitors. Cathy was often involved in neighbor’s plant selection and placement. Cathy loved to feed the birds and squirrels in her yard.

Catherine’s son Sean is a constant source of pride and admiration. Sean has always been a supportive and loving son. Cathy’s ability to remain home while Sean was in school was cherished by her in ways that speak to her love and devotion to Sean. Cathy and Bill had just celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in October. Cathy was a loving mother and wife who always sought to show her love and devotion in all things.

There will be a memorial service in Santa Barbara on February 6th at 1pm at Trinity Lutheran Church.

A chronicle of Cathy’s last hospitalization is available at www.caringbridge.org/visit/cathymay

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift in her memory to:

Harbor View Medical Center - www.supportuwmedicine.org  206-543-5686
Caring Voice Coalition - www.caringvoice.org   804-427-6468
Diabetes Foundation - www.diabetes.org  800-342-2383