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Jessica Catto Obituary

Jessica Hobby Catto Jessica Hobby Catto, noted conservationist, journalist and Democratic stalwart, died on September 30, 2009, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. Her powerful spirit and humor, love of family and desire to keep fighting for causes she considered vital kept her thriving far beyond her original prognosis, and she died at her beloved ranch in Woody Creek, Colorado. She was 72. Mrs. Catto reveled in the earth's beauty and was intent on preserving it. As a member of the Chairman's Council of Conservation International and the boards of directors of the National Parks Conservation Association, World Resources Institute, the Conservation Fund and the Environmental Defense Fund, her environmental work and philanthropy spanned decades and continents. Under the umbrella of the American Land Trust Association and Conservation Fund she established the American Land Conservation Award, given annually to a citizen conservationist. But she was most proud of the local conservation measures she undertook in her beloved Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen. When hosting fundraisers for pro-conservation candidates or groups at her Woody Creek home, Mrs. Catto often invited her guests to "Look at this view," a stunning one of wildflower meadows, aspen groves and the 14,000-foot Elk Mountain range beyond. She'd then ask, "Do you want to keep it?" At the Aspen Institute she and her husband, Henry E. Catto, Jr., established the Catto Fellowship for a Sustainable Future, which each year brings a group of young leaders selected from around the world to Aspen to discuss solutions to environmental problems, primarily climate change. The fellowship was among her proudest accomplishments. "They are committed to working out a world architecture and framework for climate change control," Mrs. Catto said recently. "And I hope they succeed." Mrs. Catto, who divided her time between Woody Creek and San Antonio, was born in Houston to one of Texas' first families. Her father, William P. Hobby, Sr., was governor from 1917 to 1921, and her mother, Oveta Culp Hobby, served as the first commanding officer of the Women's Army Corps during World War II and as the first secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Eisenhower. Her family's ownership of the Houston Post Company exposed Mrs. Catto to journalism at an early age, and writing and editing remained lifelong passions. She published a novel and a collection of poetry and wrote a blog for thehuffingtonpost.com on conservation, press and political issues right up until her death. She also wrote pieces for The Washington Post and, in England, for the Independent, the Sunday Times and the Guardian. As vice chairman of H&C Communications, a Texas-based company of network affiliated television stations, she was also a shrewd and farsighted practitioner of the business side of media. Her 1958 marriage to Henry Catto took her first to his hometown of San Antonio--where she was a trustee of Trinity University--then to Washington, D.C. and around the world. Mr. Catto served as U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, the United Nations in Geneva and Great Britain. He also held numerous posts in Washington, including White House chief of protocol, director of the United States Information Agency and assistant secretary of defense. Mr. and Mrs. Catto became fixtures on the Washington political and social scenes and amassed numerous lifelong friends there in politics, policy and media. President Nixon appointed Mrs. Catto to the Kennedy Center's Presidential Advisory Committee on the Arts, and President Clinton named her to the Advisory Board of the National Parks System in 1993. From 1980 to 1987 she published the Washington Journalism Review (now the American Journalism Review) and remained a contributing editor there for the rest of her life. Despite her marriage of 52 years to a highly visible Republican, Mrs. Catto proved a tireless fundraiser, hostess, campaigner and policy point person for countless Democratic candidates and causes. She is survived by her husband, Henry; children, Heather Catto Kohout of Austin, Texas, John of Basalt, Colorado, Will of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Isa Catto Shaw of Woody Creek; 11 grandchildren; and a brother, William P. Hobby, Jr., of Houston. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send contributions to either the Jessica Hobby Catto Memorial Fund, Aspen Community Foundation, 110 East Hallam Street, Suite 126, Aspen, Colorado 81611, (970) 925-9300, or the Jessica Hobby Catto Memorial Fund, San Antonio Area Foundation, 110 Broadway, Suite 230, San Antonio, Texas 78205-1974, (210) 225-2243. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, followed by a reception at the family's home. For any questions please contact Susan Farrimond or Betty Post by phone (210-222-2664) or EKS Events by phone (970-927-8808) or email ([email protected]).

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 6, 2009.
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As a Peace Corp volunteer in 1972 in El Salvador, I had the honor to attend an embassy party at the home of the very gracious Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catto. May they rest in the peace of the Lord.

Ginny Cesan

May 19, 2014

Henry,
Just found out about my cousin Jessica.
Please know my prayers are with you.
Patricia Culp Dallas

May 19, 2014

So I was sitting here today 05/17/2014 as my mom was telling about the family they worked for. So I began to research in hopes to be able to send them both an email. My condolences Mr. And Mrs. Cotto. She said you two were an amazing family. And it was an honor to have worked for you both. R.I.P.

Patsy Garcia

May 8, 2014

Henry, I just found out and want to wish you all the strength God can give. I only met Jessica once but I always admired her. I am Oveta's niece, Jack Culps daughter. I hope things are going better for you now.God Bless, Allene Culp Wolfe

June 12, 2011

Mrs. Catto's mother, Oveta Culp Hobby was the director of the Women's Army Corps during World War II with the rank of colonel. She lived in an apartment near the Washington Zoo. Sometimes her children were with her, other times they lived with their father in Houston.

One of the stories told by Col. Hobby's assistant, Lt. Col. Betty Bandel, is of an energetic and irrepressible six year Jessica, hair flying, jumping on the bed.

In later years Mrs. Hobby referred to her years in Washington during and after the war as the “glory years.”

As a former WAC we consider Col. Hobby our founder, responsible for setting the course, overcoming incredible bureaucratic issues and problems, and establishing the foundation that made the future service of women in the Army not just possible but critical to the Army’s success.

I regret that I didn't know either Mrs. Hobby or Mrs. Catto. It's clear that Mrs. Cato followed in the footsteps of her distinguished parents.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Pat Jay

October 13, 2009

Dear Henry, I am so sorry to hear you have lost your wife. Perhaps I should say,"Mr. Catto" but that's not the way I remember you from so long ago at Catto and Catto in San Antonio. I am 85 years old and 72 now seems to me to be a young age to leave this world. I am glad you had 50+ years with such a fine woman. I share many of her interests, including being a Democrat and a Conservationist.

I have read your book about your life in government, and was amazed that it sounded just like you talked, and that I remembered!

I am forever grateful to you for your many kindnesses to me. You have my heart-felt sympathy during this sad time in your life.

Evelyn (Dabe) Wicke

October 11, 2009

Dear Henry, I am so sorry to hear you have lost your wife. Perhaps I should say,"Mr. Catto" but that's not the way I remember you from so long ago at Catto and Catto in San Antonio. I am 85 years old and 72 now seems to me to be a young age to leave this world. I am glad you had 50+ years with such a fine woman. I share many of her interests, including being a Democrat and a Conservationist.

I have read your book about your life in government, and was amazed that it sounded just like you talked, and that I remembered!

I am forever grateful to you for your many kindnesses to me. You have my heart-felt sympathy during this sad time in your life.

Evelyn (Dabe) Wicke

October 11, 2009

For Henry, Heather, Isa, Will and John...
Jessica’s presence in our lives left an impression…an indelible ever-lasting impression never to be forgotten, never to fade away…always to be impressed in our minds…and forever within our souls.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Patti Clapper,Aspen, Colorado

p clapper

October 7, 2009

Dear Mr. Catto My deepest sympathy from Mike and I, when I think of Jessica I see Sunshine every time I saw her she had smile on her face and was ready to enjoy her trips. Beautiful and kind Lady I do remember after a trip she would always ask me if I had a good time not only about Mike but she wanted to make sure I enjoyed it as well. I will never forget her.
We will miss her.
God bless all of you.
Mike and Irma Weeks

October 6, 2009

Deepest sympathy from our branch of the Barnes family. Although I haven't seen Jessica in years, we have kept up through Heather's friendship with Susan. Jessica lived her life so bravely, and she leaves an amazing legacy to all of us.

We know you will miss her.

Pat Ricks

October 5, 2009

Dear Mr Catto,
We met you and your wife through Joe. We remember how pretty she was, confident, and a lively woman. You were very lucky. It was joy to meet her. Thank you.
We pray for peace for you and your family in the days to follow. God bless you all.
Thomas,Pauline, and Dominc Fredericks (Sierra Vista, AZ)

Thomas&Pauline Fredericks

October 4, 2009

Henry,

Jessica was the best Ambassador's wife (US Embassy,El Salvador) that I knew in 15 years as a Foreign Service wife. She was an inspiration as a relaxed hostess, lover of art, fun companion politically astute woman and sensible mother. I share your grief over an untimely death and send condolescences to you and the children.
With fond memories of Lake Ilopongo, Aspen and D.C.,
Arlene (McCown) Broadhurst

October 3, 2009

Henry and children,

Barbara and I were saddened to hear the news from mutual friends, Bob and Pat Pierpoint. We have fond memories of happy times in San Antonio when covering LBJ. Henry, you and Jessica were generous hosts to the press corps and any of the group needing a tennis court. Jessica's fighting spirit is enshrined in the WJR (AJR) archives and the many good causes she forged. A caring independent spirt she was, and will be greatly missed. Sid Davis

Sid Davis

October 2, 2009

Dear Henry, Heather, Isa, Will and John,

Your mother has left an amazing legacy of deep caring and love of her family, and the causes she championed. She was fierce in the best way; passionate about issues and definitely someone you wanted beside if you were in the trenches. And she had the greatest laugh and sense of humor.
I think of all the wonderful times in Woody Creek during the sweet years of the mid 80's-90's and how anchored it felt knowing that the Cattos were home in little Woody.
There are no words to say how sorry I was to read of her passing. She gave meaning to the phrase, " A Woman of Substance". I am just grateful that for a time we were neighbors, and that Jessica passed away looking at the mountains she so dearly loved. With prayers and love, Ellen Spencer Susman ( Ellie Fox)

Ellen Susman

October 2, 2009

My condolences to the family of Jessica.I only worked with her a few times, recently. But, knew through our conversations she was a very strong person, and I felt the "love for life" in her.My prayers are with her.

Martha Sanchez

October 2, 2009

Woody Creek grieves as it has lost a lovely, articulate and generous neighbor, but we are honored to still be home for much of her family.

October 2, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

October 2, 2009

Dear Henry and family -
Unfortunately, it has been far too many years since we were last in touch, a situation I deeply regret. I was so saddened to read this morning of Jessica's passing. I have many wonderful memories of her from your years in Washington, and, of course, a high regard for her countless contributions to my longtime professional world, that of journalism. I hope you and your children will heal well, and know that I am thinking of you with great affection and fond memories.
Marlene Cimons

Marlene Cimons

October 2, 2009

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