Catha Cowgill

It is with great sadness that we report that Catha Jean Cowgill, who was born on July 26, 1944, in Gary, Indiana, and grew up in Wichita, Kansas, has died. Catha's courage, spirit, and reliability were hallmarks of her life and continued to shine brightly until her passing on September 29, 2025.

Catha lived in Seattle, Washington for over 40 years, dedicating her life to the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and appreciation of nature's beauty. As an Instructional Designer at Liberty Mutual Insurance and a Marketing Professor at City University, Catha was admired for her inspiring creativity and steadfast commitment. She followed in the footsteps of her parents, teaching students in Beijing and Seattle. After completing a Political Science degree at Wichita State University, she earned a master's degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, reflecting her lifelong commitment to social justice and community service. Upon retiring in 2017, Catha fully embraced her passions: birding, playing violin, hiking, and community service. She was a proud member of the Audubon Society and Indivisible, where she made lasting friendships and contributed her time and talents to causes close to her heart.

Catha's spirit was as vibrant and diverse as the birds she loved to watch. Her inspiring actions were a testament to her unwavering reliability and courage. Catha's memory lives on through her beloved daughter, Riesa Overstreet, and son-in-law, Glen Straws. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mary Cowgill, her brother Don and sister Jane.

In honor of Catha's remarkable life, we encourage friends and family to share memories and photos on her memorial page. A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 pm November 8th, 2025 at her home in Seattle.

Let us remember Catha with the joy and inspiration her life bestowed upon us all. Her spirit, like the birds she loved, remains free and soaring, reminding us of the beauty and courage in each of us.