Catherine Louise Astle

Catherine Louise Astle, Louise to those who knew her, lived a life of faith, intelligence, love, humor, and kindness. She passed away February 11th, 2026, at the age of 76.

She was born December 20, 1949, in Billings, Montana. She described herself in a journal as the "youngest of five children; my parents were 45 and 50 when I was born – which was different."

Louise also wrote, "Church was always my blessing, my place of community." A look around her house revealed many angels – figurines and sculptures of many sizes, made of porcelain or simply fashioned from driftwood, tucked here and there on shelves. She said of the angels she brought home, "I believe my guardian angel(s) have guarded my life and kept Jesus present pretty consistently… sometimes laughing at my foibles."

Louise had a large circle of love around her, not only her extended family and old friends, but neighbors in Alameda where she lived for forty-plus years, work colleagues, fellow parishioners, members of the clergy, and many dear friends from Saint Vincent de Paul, an organization she supported and volunteered with for many years, including serving a term as her local chapter's president.

Louise was intellectually curious and a prolific reader. She loved to travel – often taking international trips with her older sisters, Mary Margaret and Liz. She also loved the mountains and nature; she and her sister Liz and friend Debbie Nelson owned a cabin together for many years in Arnold, California, close to Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism (following in her newspaperman father's footsteps) from the University of Montana in Missoula. After college, she moved to the Bay Area, at first working temp jobs and living with her older sister Liz.

She didn't stay with journalism, instead entering the business world; her first permanent job was at a credit card company, and that turned into a career. For the latter part of her working life, she was employed by Visa, where she rose to the title of director. Her love of travel even coincided with her job, when the company sent her to Singapore for six months for management training.

She loved cats, and several shared her life over the years. She was in the process of adopting a senior kitty when her hospitalization unfortunately cut short her plans.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Peg Astle, her oldest brother Tom Astle, Jr., and her oldest sister Elizabeth Astle. Louise is survived by her sister Mary Margaret Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her brother Mark Astle and wife Jeanne of Billings, Montana; six nieces and nephews: Joe Astle, Katie Goedde, Kevin Astle, Jennifer Morgan, Lisa Cole, and Tom Astle; and ten grand-nieces and grand-nephews – and of course a large extended family of friends and acquaintances, countless people who were touched by her generosity of spirit.

Everyone loved Louise. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Vincent de Paul with Louise in mind.