Annette Marlene Gathright

Annette Marlene Gathright (née Katarski), age 82, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, in Yorba Linda, California. Born on March 12, 1943, in Oak Park, Illinois. She married David Roger Gathright on April 7, 1962 and had three children. Annette lived a life marked by intellectual brilliance, professional achievement, and deep compassion for others.

Annette's academic journey began with distinction. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, earning high honors. Her commitment to learning continued through graduate coursework at ASU and the University of Southern California. Supported by a National Science Foundation Fellowship, she completed her master’s studies and pursued additional engineering and business courses throughout her career.

Her professional life was as dynamic as it was impactful. Annette began her career at Hughes Aircraft, contributing to projects involving electronic warfare, electromagnetic support measures, and microprogrammed computers. At Honeywell, she worked on radar memory systems, tactical warfare technologies, operator training systems, signal processors, and even rocket main engine control systems for the Space Shuttle program. Her tenure at Interstate Electronics saw her engaged in research and development for advanced electronic warfare systems and submarine instrumentation.

As a consultant and founder of Anjul International, Annette continued to innovate—developing an inflight entertainment system for BE Aerospace and designing a wireless PBX telephone interface controller for another client. Her later work at Rockwell International, Datron, Ethentica, and the Troy Group as a Senior Systems Engineer included secure communications systems, fingerprint technology, WiFi and Bluetooth products, and other custom-engineered solutions.

She received many honors and awards such as Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu, Outstanding Engineering Merit with OCEC and the Hughes Aircraft Invention award. She served as president and vice president of the Society of Women engineers and promoted women working in engineering fields. She was granted both Secret and COMSEC security clearances during her extensive work in the defense industry

Beyond her remarkable career in engineering and technology, Annette was known for her warmth and generosity. She was a devoted sister to Ed Katarski and Mary Halsall; a beloved sister-in-law to Janet Katarski; and cherished by her children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Blanche Vondrasek and Ernest Katarski; her brother Stanley Katarski; and brother-in-law Brian Halsall.

Annette’s creativity extended into every corner of her life. She found joy in knitting, sewing, and quilting—crafting handmade booties for loved ones, sewing Christmas pajamas for her children and grandchildren each year, and making quilts that became treasured family heirlooms. She shared these talents generously through community quilting classes.

After undergoing surgery for breast cancer, Annette discovered a new passion: growing succulents. This hobby blossomed into an opportunity for connection as she participated in plant trades and donated succulents to cancer survivors at art classes sponsored by St. Jude Medical Center.

She remained socially active in retirement through monthly gatherings with former coworkers as well as former classmates—fostering friendships that spanned decades.

One of Annette’s greatest passions was genealogy research. She dedicated countless hours to tracing her own family lineage while helping others navigate their ancestral paths. Embracing emerging technologies like DNA testing to deepen genealogical understanding, she served on the boards of both the Polish Genealogical Society and the Czech Genealogical Society. Her expertise led her across the country to present seminars on genealogy techniques—sharing knowledge with warmth and enthusiasm.

Annette will be remembered not only for her intelligence and accomplishments but also for her unwavering kindness as well as the love of her family. She had a gift for listening deeply and advocating fiercely for those who needed support—whether offering a ride to work or planning an evening out to lift someone’s spirits.

May Annette Marlene Gathright’s memory be a source of comfort to all who knew her—and may her legacy of generosity, intellect, and compassion continue to inspire generations to come.

A prayer service for Annette will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint John Paul II Polish Center, 3999 Rose Dr, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3999 Rose Dr, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. A reception to follow will occur Friday, April 11, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Contributions in Annette's memory may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, https://www.komen.org/.