Cathy Best Chibnall

A skilled and talented photographer, Cathy studied film at UNC-Greensboro and upon graduation, started work in film production at Dino De Laurentiis’s studio in Wilmington, NC. It was there she met her future husband, Jon Chibnall while working on the same film, “King Kong Lives.” Jonathan taught Cathy the skills needed to land a job as an assistant editor and soon Cathy began a successful career in editorial that resulted in her working with directors like Julien Temple, Roland Joffe, and Tim Burton.

Cathy and Jon were married in Los Angeles in 1988.

In 1991, following the birth of her daughter, Ailsa, Cathy retired from film to be a full time mother. In 1994, her son, Conor, was born and Cathy worked as a home room Mom and contributor upon his entry to elementary school. She was instrumental in the landscaping and gardening of the school’s reading garden.

Cathy grew up loving horses and horseback riding, a passion she shared with her daughter, Ailsa. The two of them enjoyed riding their horses together, Keenan and Kelly. Cathy worked for several years as the office administrator at the ranch where their horses were boarded. Her talent didn’t stop there as she had a gifted eye in photography and was able to see untapped beauty around her.

Cathy always nurtured those around her seeking ways to include those with her in her interests. She helped cultivate a love in arts and photography in her son Conor and would go on many trips with him. Her designs inspired her to creating an online shop and trade shows where she sold her prints that she not only put on her hand crafted coasters, bags and t-shirts and custom design tea cozies. Always interested in learning a new craft she would dive head first into new endeavors and returned back to school to learn more about graphic design.

She was always game for a crafting session or a chat with a nice cup of tea, and either homemade oatmeal cookies or French toast.

Gifted with a whimsical sense of humor she found love in the absurdity of Monty Python, “This is Jinsy,” and “Perpetual Grace Limited.”

Cathy loved to make those around her comfortable and enjoyed seeing them around her laugh. No one was ever a stranger to her, and her talent was to make friends with ease. as she deeply cared for how those around her.

In later years, Cathy worked as a Project coordinator for Ailsa’s web design and marketing company. Cathy’s kind temperament and sweet demeanor made her a popular contact with customers and coworkers alike. Always willing to help and nurture new contacts, Cathy will always be remembered by those who knew her as a singular personality; one that was quick to befriend and loyal to the end.

Cathy maintained lifelong friendships with Lisa Underwood, Susie Howell, and Lavon Chaney. The four of them staying in contact through to the end of Cathy’s illness. Her college friend Donna Rossi also maintained a long, close relationship over the years.

She will be especially missed by her dear friend and sister from another mother, Gena Bleier, who was a gentle healer and helper throughout Cathy’s long illness and during her last days.

She is survived by her mother, Billye; her brothers Graham and Deleon; her husband Jon; her two children, Ailsa and Conor; and her two grandchildren, Cillian and Mirren.

She will be sorely missed by all who hold her dearest.

We love you twicer the stars Cathy/Mama/Gaga