Cathie Cathie Treagle Calvert

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Cathie Calvert who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, Cathie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Cathie knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Cathie was born on June 14, 1935 at Palo Alto Hospital on the Stanford Universty Campus. Her parents were John and Catherine Treagle. Cathie was raised on the San Francisco peninsula in Menlo Park and Redwood City. Cathie was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Mary and Rose Lee.

Cathie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Cathie enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. As a child she loved baseball, horseback riding and even had a brief stint as a water ballerina. She was a Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked to watch baseball. Cathie's memorable achievements included interviewing Ty Cobb for her grade school newspaper.

In school, Cathie was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School in 1954. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were English and Social Studies. Classmates will remember her as a very social student, newspaper editor, and student government leader.

Cathie's practical work ethic carried over into her college years. She earned her Associates degree from College of San Mateo. She went on to San Jose State College where she graduated with honors with a degree in Journalism. Her favorite courses were advanced news writing and political science. At the College of San Mateo Cathie served editor of the school newspaper, The San Matean. She was also elected President of the Northern Section of the California Junior College Journalism Association. At San Jose State, she served as writer and editor at The Spartan Daily.

Cathie was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Cathie would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Cathie was blessed with two children, son, Larry Calvert and daughter Cathy (Calvert) Hjelt. She also had one grandchild, Andrew Calvert.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Cathie was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Cathie was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Cathie upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a newspaper reporter. She was employed for 25 years by the San Jose Mercury News. Cathie was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."

Cathie approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were spending time with family, reading mysteries, watching anything on Masterpiece Theater and classic movies and television. Cathie was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Cathie used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Favorite vacations included any time spent on the beach.

When Cathie's retirement finally arrived in 1996, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in spending time with her grandson Andrew, gardening, reading and relaxing. In many ways, Cathie loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Cathie passed away on May 17, 2010 in San Jose of lung cancer. She is survived by her children Larry and Cathy; grandson Andrew; sister Rose Lee. Services are scheduled for Saturday, June 5, at 3 P.M. in the Chapel of Roses at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Cathie will be inurned during a private ceremony at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

All who knew her would agree that Cathie was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Cathie did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.