— from Page Bristow —
Kind. Lovely. Optimistic. Caring. Fun. These are words that Cathy’s huge circle of friends and family use to describe her.
Early in the morning of November 13, Cathy lost her brief, hard-fought battle with cancer peacefully. Cathy was born and grew up in Chehalis, Washington, the second daughter of Robert & Betty McGandy. After graduating from W.F. West High School, she attended WWU.
Always adventuresome, she became a flight attendant for Braniff Airlines while living in Texas. She & husband, Ken Loyd, set sail around the world ending up back to the NW on the beautiful Orcas Island. Here along the waterfront they raised their two children, Phoebe and Evan, and then moved to Bellingham in 1999.
Cathy’s joyful kitchen and table were a way to bring together her love for family and friends. She was a wonderful influence on being forward-thinking, environmentally conscious, and an advocate for alternative medicines. Aside from her ability to make so many feel like family, Cathy was a devoted and proud mother. She acted on the decision making board for F.A.C.E.S. Northwest, the local non-profit group helping families with autism, which became her livelihood and changed the lives of many individuals.
Cathy is survived by daughter Phoebe Loyd, son Evan Loyd, mother Betty McGandy, sister Jill Lovegren, partner Steve Gratteau, Ken Loyd, and innumerable friends and family. An open house honoring Cathy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23 from noon-5pm at Cathy’s family home – 815 Yew Street, Bellingham. Please bring memories, photos, and stories to share. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Cathy’s name to F.A.C.E.S. NW, more information online at https://www.facesnorthwest.com/ .
Cathy will be deeply missed. She has left ‘her handprint on the heart’ of many.
I was shocked and deeply saddened by Cathy’s death. It is hard to imagine that her vibrant, loving, giving self is no longer in this world. I am one of many who made up Cathy’s “extended family”. I will be forever grateful to have known and loved her.
This obituary came from her loved ones via the Bellingham newspaper. My part was only to share it with you through Orcas Issues. Please use this forum or send mail to Phoebe and Evan at the home address in the obit above.