Catherine E. Sanford (1931 - 2025)

January 10, 1931 – August 8, 2025

“Finish every morsel.”

Those were Cathy Sanford’s words while sharing a meal with the grandkids—and yet it was also the way she lived her life. She believed in savoring every bite, every moment, and every opportunity in life. And for 94 beautiful years, she did just that.

Cathy’s life was rich with love, purpose, and adventure and didn’t allow social norms to hold her back. She proudly served her country as a WAC in the U.S. Air Force, earning the American Spirit Honor Medal. She was in the first female graduating class at Cal Poly SLO earning her BS and master’s degrees.

Later, she shaped young lives as a high school physical education teacher and tennis coach at Santa Barbara High School and Dos Pueblos High School, where her dedication earned her multiple Coach of the Year honors and many lifelong friendships with colleagues and students.

Her proudest achievements were found at home – For 70 years, she and her beloved Jack walked side by side, building a home filled with love, laughter, and late dinners where stuffed hot dogs were a family favorite. She enjoyed all that six children and 17 grandchildren could provide by honoring every birthday and turning holidays into special moments.

Cathy lived her life by filling it with purpose and enjoyment. She was a spirited sports fan enjoying watching tennis, baseball, and football. Her favorite event was Wimbledon, which she attended 17 times. She competed on the tennis court, winning the National Equitable Family Tennis Challenge with son, John.

In 2006, she along with her family were awarded Southern California Tennis Association’s Family of The Year. She enjoyed many birding Trips with Jack, painted beautiful watercolors, kept a sharp eye on her stocks, and eagerly shared these passions with her children and grandchildren. She was always a teacher at heart, quick with wisdom and even quicker with humor.

She filled her days with the things—and the people—she loved. Cathy left this world the way she lived in it: gracefully, gratefully, and having savored every morsel finishing her plate. Her love will echo in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Jack Sanford, their 6 kids and 17 Grandkids.