February 21, 1957 – May 17, 2025
Cathie lived a life of love and compassion. As a middle child of six she embraced music, activism and drama club in her high school years. Editor of the school newspaper she was challenged by school administration about her clear expression of truth and ethics during the Nixon years. She had a keen knowledge of history and was outspoken in her support of George McGovern for President in 1972. She shared his vision of anti-racism and progressive liberalism in the United States. She never wavered from these values and thought them important in the choices one makes in life. Cathie was the opposite of greedy. She was generous and helpful. She had a bright and calm presence.
Cathie left L.A. in 1976 to stay with a cousin who moved from L.A. to Arcata. She came looking for a home and she found it. Many friends became family and she met her life partner, Jeanne who was looking for the same thing. They built a home among the redwoods and grasslands near Arcata.
Two of Cathie’s sisters, Marcy and Cindy and their children later followed Cathie to Humboldt. Cathie helped all of them for her entire life. Both Marcy and Cindy preceded Cathie in death.
Cathie was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and was careful to manage her time and energy so she could do the things she loved. She loved gardening, playing guitar, ‘forest bathing’, camping, kayaking, swimming, baking and sharing, travel and sports. She loved art, music and musical theatre.
Cathie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Surgery followed. This experience lead her to serve on the board of the Breast and GYN Health Project in Arcata. She loved the work, the wine, the people and the service to community. She brought her amazing intellect, sense of humor and wit as they redid the name and logo for the organization.
Cathie was diagnosed with stage four secondary breast cancer in December 2024. She tried some palliative treatments but it just landed her in the hospital. She decided to come home from hospital under hospice care. Friends came, family came and home adaptations were made to the changing situation. On April 22 she asked for no more visitors and she, Jeanne and hospice staff carried her through to her final breath on May 17, 2025.
Cathie is survived by her spouse of forty five years, Jeanne Peffley, sister Gloria Orefice (Ron), brother Dan Gillen (Stephanie), brother Mark Gillen (Linda), her father’s second wife Maria Elena Gillen and their son Cesar Gillen (Lorrana) and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. We held a private celebration of life for Cathie in July. Please consider a donation to hospiceofhumboldt.org or bghp.org in memory of Cathie Gillen at this time of gifting. Thank you-Jeanne