Cary Klein Caton

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University of New Mexico

Cary Caton Obituary

Cary Klein Caton November 10, 1942 - February 4, 2013 Cary Klein Caton died peacefully of cancer in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 4, 2013. She had a career in national politics and successfully raised three children. Cosmopolitan Magazine used the headline "Horatio Alger,Step Aside" in profiling her as one of eight leading staff women in the US Congress at a time (1979) when she was one of only a handful of women who were Chiefs of Staff to members of the House and Senate. That top staff position for Rep. Timothy E. Wirth (D-Colo.) followed senior roles in two Presidential campaigns, and senior positions on the staffs of two US Senators. "She was an extraordinary professional and person, who cared as deeply about achieving the right public policy as she did for our staff and her family," recalled Wirth, recently retired as President of the United Nations Foundation. She is survived by her brother George Klein of Dallas, Texas; three children, Cary LeAnne Caton of Charlotte, North Carolina, Carol Caton-Aylward Eliaz, and Scott Klein Caton, both of San Marcos, Texas; and nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Harry Scott Klein of Hobbs, New Mexico, and her parents, Isabel Scott Klein of Brookneal and Lynchburg, Virginia, and Edward Harry "Dutch" Klein of Hobbs, New Mexico. Cary grew up in rural Brookneal (near Lynchburg), and Hobbs. She graduated from Hobbs High School where many remember her leading parades twirling, tossing, and catching fire batons. She attended the University of New Mexico, majoring in English literature. A tall, blond beauty, she was featured as a pin up queen in the university newspaper as a sophomore. She was married to Major Jimmy J. Caton (USAF Ret.) of San Antonio, Texas for 11 years, and public health specialist and attorney David K. Aylward of Washington, DC for 37 years. In 1972 she headed Senator George McGovern's primary and then general election campaigns for President in her home state of New Mexico. Her performance in that insurgent effort impressed the political powers in the state. Veteran New Mexico Senator Joseph Montoya hired her as a Legislative Assistant on his staff in Washington following the election. The next year he agreed with State Democratic Party officials that she should take a leave of absence to direct the combined Democratic candidates' and New Mexico State Democratic Party voter registration and get out the vote (GOTV) efforts in the fall of 1974. At her request, in lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in her name to Habitat for Humanity Charlotte, 3815 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211.

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Published by The News & Advance on Feb. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Cary Caton

5 Entries

Jeannine Cordero

February 1, 2018

I was so sorry to learn of Cary's passing. She hired me to work in Tim Wirth's office which was my first job out of college. Back then there were hardly any women working as Chiefs of Staff on the Hill so she was a trailblazer. I greatly admired the way she balanced a demanding career with being a loving mother to 3 children. She always took phone calls from her children whenever they called -- whether she was on another call or in a meeting. Children came first. She welcomed the staff into her home and had a great sense of humor. She truly was concerned about her staff. Though we lost touch over the years, I will never forget this unique and impressive woman. Sending heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones.

Diane Dodd

February 19, 2013

I spent time in Alexandria when Cary was married to Jim. I would fly up to babysit LeAnne, Carol Francis and Scott. I felt so grown up flying by myself when I was a freshman in high school. On one occasion, Cary and Jim were attending a ball at the White House and I remember the beautiful yellow chiffon dress she wore. While in Alexandria, I would take LeAnne to the pool, fold Scott's diapers,help Cary cook, or try to peek through the gates at the White House when Prince Charles was visiting! We would often visit Georgetown and I would come home with my prized possessions - a hippie fringe pocketbook or a leather peace hair barrette! With Cary, life was always interesting and you never knew what you were going to do next. She was a wonderful cousin and I will miss her visits to the country and talks on the phone. Rest in peace lovely lady.

Pat Johnson

February 17, 2013

I remember thinking how beautiful she was and couldn't wait for her to visit. She taught me to twirl a baton one summer. Wish I could have seen her more often

Jere Keller

February 16, 2013

As a child I would get so excited when I would hear that Cary was coming to visit. It was like a special holiday to me. Then as an adult I really began to understand what a wonderful and special woman she was. I loved her and I will miss her.

JoAnn Winn

February 16, 2013

LeAnne, Carol and Scott - I was so sorry to hear of Cary's passing. I will never forget the times she spent in "the country" when she was growing up, as well as the summer I spent with your family in DC when you girls were children and Scott a baby. My thoughts are with you all during this time.

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