Catherine Johnson

1929 - 2025

Catherine Johnson
10/23/1929 - 08/30/2025
Catherine Johnson, 95, of Palo Alto, California, passed away early Saturday, August 30, 2025, after a long illness.
Cathie (née Catherine Geneva Holman), born October 23, 1929, in New York City, was the daughter of Eugene Holman, geologist, chairman and CEO of Standard Oil Company (New Jersey), and Edith Reid Holman. She had one brother, Eugene Holman Jr., who died in 2013. Cathie grew up in Manhattan and graduated from the Brearley School, an all-girls institution in New York City. She earned a bachelor's degree from Vassar College in 1951 and later completed an MBA at Santa Clara University. Her enthusiasm for reading and love of learning kept her engaged throughout her lifetime.
In 1954, Cathie married Franklin Pitcher "Pitch" Johnson Jr., who founded the pioneering Silicon Valley venture capital firm Asset Management Company. He credits Cathie, his wife and life partner, as the inspiration for his work.
The couple was married for 71 years. Cathie is survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren, and five nieces and nephews.
The Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation, established in 2001, is based in East Palo Alto, California, and supports education, youth development, health/human services, arts/culture, environmental studies, and entrepreneurship.
Cathie's contributions reflect her education and civic commitment. She served on the board of the Silicon Valley Chapter in Santa Clara County of the American Red Cross, which supports disaster relief, blood drives, and community programs. Cathie's MBA and organizational skills aided her leadership in these efforts. Besides her numerous contributions to the community, Cathie was devoted to the welfare and promotion of the San Francisco Opera. From 1999-2008 Pitch Johnson was the chairman of the Opera Board. He and Cathie worked together to keep the organization operating even through difficult times.
Cathie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love, strength, and warmth as a wife, mother, grandmother, and extraordinary woman leave a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Although she may be gone from our sight, her spirit remains ever present as a guiding light and cherished memory.