Catherine Rhea "Cathy" Grainger

Catherine was born in San Francisco, CA. She attended Catholic school and recounted many stories from those days. She was always an excellent artist, creating leather goods, beautiful paintings, intricate collages, and meaningful gifts that she shared with friends, family, and communities at many Bay Area Street Fairs. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Art degree from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, while simultaneously earning a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of San Francisco. Cathy became a graphic artist working for a bank, later she opened her own business, Grainger Graphics where she and her sister Frances worked. After the Oakland hills firestorm instead of rebuilding her home in Oakland she built a home in Berry Creek, CA. She earned a teaching credential and became a elementary school teacher. Cathy was an avid and wonderful story teller, always with a colorful and witty charm. She had a knack for making anyone lucky enough to be in her presence feel at ease by telling stories, asking questions and making them laugh. She was kind and thoughtful to the core. Cathy easily made friends and was loved by many. She will be dearly missed. She leaves behind her siblings, Frances Murphy, Anne Nilon, William Nilon and Helen Vasek. Her brother in laws, Rich Vasek and Steve Murphy, nieces Anne Murphy, Rhea Murphy and nephew Christopher Murphy. She was proceeded in death by Dan Grainger and her loving parents William and Rhea Nilon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mobility Matters.