Catherine Hatcher Weller

Catherine Julia Koche was born on August 8, 1948—the youngest of four children born to Catherine "Kitty" Koche (nee Cismondi). She grew up with her mother, her grandmother Madalena "Nina", and her siblings, Sylvester "Spike", Marianna and Frances "Franny" in the former Vallemar Station in Pacifica, California, an old train stop on the Oceanshore Railroad. The home was situated on small ranch, home to the family's horses and dogs—the playground of Cathy's childhood. She and her sister Fran and their cousin Jonny spent most of their time outdoors playing pony express, climbing trees and getting into mischief. Cathy's deep love of the outdoors and of horses, dogs and all animals would continue throughout her life.

Cathy attended public schools in Pacifica, and graduated from Terra Nova High School. After graduation, she began working for Standard Oil in the financial district of San Francisco. At age 20, she met Joshua Hatcher and they married in Tahoe a few months later. They lived in South San Francisco, but eventually made their way back to the Pacifica, where Cathy operated a small fish market. The couple bought their first house in El Granada, a small fixer-upper cottage. They boarded Cathy's horse, Pokerchip, at stables two blocks up the road. Julie, Josh's daughter from his previous marriage, visited them on weekends. Cathy bought Julie a pony and taught her to ride and to care for her animals. In 1975, Cathy gave birth to KC (Catherine KC Hatcher)—K for Koche (Cathy's maiden name) and C for Cismondi (grandma Kitty's maiden name). After a couple of years, they purchased property up the road, across from the stables (now El Granada's Quarry Park) and built a new house—a hexagon, the family home for the next 20+ years. In 1977, not long after the home was built, Kelly Catherine Hatcher was born. 

Throughout her years on the coast, Cathy made her home a place where family and friends were welcome. She and Josh hosted barbecues and parties in their big yard on Columbus Street. Later in life, after leaving the coast and the marriage, Cathy made her home in the San Joaquin Valley, on her sister Fran's ranch in Los Baños. Her health declined and her need for a liver transplant became urgent. She had been dealing with cirhossis caused by hepatitis-C from a blood transfusion in the 70's. A live donor transplant became her best option, and her nephew, Garrett Lea stepped forward as a match in blood type. Garrett is Fran's eldest grandchild, the son of her middle daughter Kimberly who passed away after battleing cancer when she was in her early thirties. Garrett's brave offer lead to an amazing recovery for Cathy. Both Cathy and Garrett fully recovered from the surgeries and Cathy's life changed dramatically as her health was restored.

In summer of 2012, Cathy met Bill Weller on Match.com. They dated, fell in love and married in 2013. They lived in Fresno, California where Bill had lived for most of his life. They built a beautiful life together, made friends, played golf, enjoyed and shared their beautiful home near Woodward Park. Bill's family from his previous marriage became a big part of Cathy's life, her big heart had so much love to share.

On Sunday, June 20, Cathy was out watering her beloved plants. She fell and hit her head and was rushed to the hospital where it was discoved that she had suffered massive brain bleeds. The medical team perfomed surgery and she had a few lucid days in the ICU with Bill and her daughters who were hopeful that she might make a miraculous recovery like so many times before. But the damage was severe. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her beloved Bill on June 29.

Cathy is survived by:

Her husband and the love of her life, Bill Weller and his family—daughter, Katrina Gidstedt with husband Johan Gidstedt, their children, Leah, Cole and Charles Plesche, Emmie and Kimmie Gidstedt.

Her daughters—KC Hatcher with husband, Austin Cattermole and their sons, Henry and Ethan Cattermole; Kelly Shaw with husband Nick Shaw, their daughter Luna Catherine Shaw; Julie Hatcher; granddaughter Lauren Peterson with husband Brandon Peterson and their sons, James and Luke; grandson Myles Swanton; granddaughter Natalie Swanton; first husband and father of her daughters, Joshua Hatcher.

Her sisters—Marianna Marshall with husband Arthur Marshall and their family; and Fran Grace with husband Tom Grace and their family.

Extended and very dear family in Piedmonte, Italy, the birthplace of her grandparents.

Her friends—so many friends from her life on the Coastside in in the Valley.