Katherine, one of the most positive and inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Always with a warm smile, looking to the future with the most supportive and wonderful husband and children. I will never forget the first time I met you. Huge smile, going through chemo, bandana on your head, asking me about playing congas together and looking forward to the prospect. We never had that opportunity but every time I play, I will remember you. Much love to you and your family. You done good Mom.
Catherine was and still is a great person to this day and forever. She had a kind, generous heart and our family always had respect and admiration for her. She blessed my childhood with her kindness and that did not change when I became an adult. I have fond memories of Christmas caroling at her house and the delicious Angel food cake! There are too many instances of her kindness to mention, but we will truly miss her and always keep her in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sleight Family, Alexander Marin and family
The power of Catherine's presence was a charming thing, from the first time we met her to the last time we visited. She radiated life, love of Bill and Cynthia and the boys and her extended family, a sincere interest in others, personal strength, and a marvelous sense of perpetual amusement. She was brave and noble in her bearing. And what a smile! All these things make her a living presence in our hearts that will last. Mark Miller and Barbara Smeltzer
Her name is on my frame. She autographed my Livestrong jersey. She rode thousands of miles with me. In Texas at Ride for the Roses with Lance. In San Jose @ Livestrong ride. Catherine was one hellava warrior. Catherine and I exchanged a few notes through the years. Mine were simple and straight to the point, blunt I'd guess some would say. Hers were beautifully composed and touched me at my core. I've kept them all. Catherine cherished her family and was quietly proud. Her spirit always impressed me. Positive, looking forward but always keenly aware of the battles that struggled to define her. Cancer had no idea as to what kind of battle it was in for. She won many a battle. My take on this is that we are all one lucky bunch to have had Catherine Sleight in our lives. Me for sure. I think of a classic movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. I'm thinking maybe she is Clarence the angel? Thanks for the wings Catherine, it was my honor. Your friend, Christopher Hill
During a conversation with Catherine I would tell her how proud I was to have her as my girlfriend and then she would pull out that secret mirror that she had. She would turn the mirror to face me and her conversation would be about glorifying me. She played that trick on all of us. I see her peaceful, beautiful blue eyes looking into mine throughout our times together. Forever cheerful, excited about life and everyone in her life. A giver, not a taker. I am so glad that she knew how much I loved her. See you in heaven Catherine. Love, Stephanie Hill
I remember running into Catherine when she was first diagnosed and what stuck me was how positive she was and that it was very important to her to encourage others to get checked out. She was so elegant, friendly and exuded warmth. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sleight family. Cyndi O'Leary Cupertino
Catherine entered my life in 1979 and I consider myself very privileged to have known her. She was unique: elegant, cultured, keenly intelligent, kind and so enthusiastic about life. Her grace and presence filled our lives with love and hope that the world could be a better place. She enriched my life in many ways, one of the more trivial was taking a sceptical me to the Tina Turner concert in San Francisco. She confessed that as a young dancer she had hoped to be a backup dancer for Tina. May she be dancing with all the great stars as she also dances in our hearts and minds. With loving thoughts to all of Catherine's family, Sleight and de Bary Colleen
Catherine was such an alive, vital person it is hard to believe that she is no longer with us. I remember when she was our neighbor in Cupertino, she was the person responsible for bringing a sense of community to the street. It was through her enthusiastic efforts that the neighbors were brought together.
Although her sojourn on earth was cut short, she left a lasting legacy of fond memories for the family and friends she left behind.
I am going to miss Catherine. She had a way of befriending all of us with her warmth, care and kindness. Even in the midst of great challenges she continued to celebrate the days of her life. I first met Catherine at the Priory when she had begun her chemotherapy treatments. She was radiant and beautiful bald or with hair. She and Bill served as Class Chairs for the Annual Fund, and I marveled at their beautifully crafted letters and notes that were sent to the parents. Cynthia was a regular visitor in my office and brought hugs and laughter. It was a privilege to meet this wonderful family and to be counted as one of their friends. I remember the first caroling party that my daughter Julie and I attended in Cynthia’s sophomore year. Everyone brought cookies or cakes to share and had a wonderful time together. I saw a set of drums in the living room and thought those probably belonged to one of her sons. I soon learned that they were Catherine’s drums! What an amazing woman with so many interests, an extraordinary intellect and the gift of bringing out the best in those around her. In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Catherine was an inspiration to me as I traveled that road. She modeled the life of the spirit that didn’t let cancer define her. She was also there for me in person bringing me home-made cookies even as she was going through trials of her own. Catherine, Cynthia, Bill and the boys have blessed all of those who know them. They show love, courage, hope, perseverance and tenacity. God bless this beautiful family and may God bless Catherine as her spirit shines bright in heaven.
Having just learned of Catherine's passing, and reading all these wonderful tributes, I can see her smiling face as I remember her sitting across the table for lunch while the kids were in school. She truly was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was so giving and yet so appreciative of the smallest thing anyone else may have done for her. Although it has been many years since we saw each other or been in touch since I moved out of California, I will never forget the courage and dignity she had as she struggled with her illness. I am so glad she was able to battle the enemy for so long and get to enjoy her loving family and was there to see Cynthia graduate college and grow up to the lovely young woman she is. She was always so proud of her. As Thanksgiving approaches, my thoughts will be with all of you.
Katherine, one of the most positive and inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Always with a warm smile, looking to the future with the most supportive and wonderful husband and children. I will never forget the first time I met you. Huge smile, going through chemo, bandana on your head, asking me about playing congas together and looking forward to the prospect. We never had that opportunity but every time I play, I will remember you. Much love to you and your family. You done good Mom.
ReplyDeleteWith fondest memories,
Lynne Romano and family
Catherine was and still is a great person to this day and forever. She had a kind, generous heart and our family always had respect and admiration for her. She blessed my childhood with her kindness and that did not change when I became an adult. I have fond memories of Christmas caroling at her house and the delicious Angel food cake! There are too many instances of her kindness to mention, but we will truly miss her and always keep her in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with the Sleight Family,
Alexander Marin and family
The power of Catherine's presence was a charming thing, from the first time we met her to the last time we visited. She radiated life, love of Bill and Cynthia and the boys and her extended family, a sincere interest in others, personal strength, and a marvelous sense of perpetual amusement. She was brave and noble in her bearing. And what a smile! All these things make her a living presence in our hearts that will last. Mark Miller and Barbara Smeltzer
ReplyDeleteHer name is on my frame. She autographed my Livestrong jersey. She rode thousands of miles with me. In Texas at Ride for the Roses with Lance. In San Jose @ Livestrong ride. Catherine was one hellava warrior. Catherine and I exchanged a few notes through the years. Mine were simple and straight to the point, blunt I'd guess some would say. Hers were beautifully composed and touched me at my core. I've kept them all.
ReplyDeleteCatherine cherished her family and was quietly proud. Her spirit always impressed me. Positive, looking forward but always keenly aware of the battles that struggled to define her. Cancer had no idea as to what kind of battle it was in for. She won many a battle.
My take on this is that we are all one lucky bunch to have had Catherine Sleight in our lives. Me for sure. I think of a classic movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. I'm thinking maybe she is Clarence the angel?
Thanks for the wings Catherine, it was my honor.
Your friend,
Christopher Hill
During a conversation with Catherine I would tell her how proud I was to have her as my girlfriend and then she would pull out that secret mirror that she had. She would turn the mirror to face me and her conversation would be about glorifying me. She played that trick on all of us.
ReplyDeleteI see her peaceful, beautiful blue eyes looking into mine throughout our times together. Forever cheerful, excited about life and everyone in her life. A giver, not a taker.
I am so glad that she knew how much I loved her.
See you in heaven Catherine.
Love,
Stephanie Hill
What a beautiful difference one single life made.
I remember running into Catherine when she was first diagnosed and what stuck me was how positive she was and that it was very important to her to encourage others to get checked out. She was so elegant, friendly and exuded warmth. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sleight family. Cyndi O'Leary Cupertino
ReplyDeleteCatherine entered my life in 1979 and I consider myself very privileged to have known her. She was unique: elegant, cultured, keenly intelligent, kind and so enthusiastic about life. Her grace and presence filled our lives with love and hope that the world could be a better place. She enriched my life in many ways, one of the more trivial was taking a sceptical me to the Tina Turner concert in San Francisco. She confessed that as a young dancer she had hoped to be a backup dancer for Tina. May she be dancing with all the great stars as she also dances in our hearts and minds.
ReplyDeleteWith loving thoughts to all of Catherine's family, Sleight and de Bary
Colleen
Catherine was such an alive, vital person it is hard to believe that she is no longer with us. I remember when she was our neighbor in Cupertino, she was the person responsible for bringing a sense of community to the street. It was through her enthusiastic efforts that the neighbors were brought together.
ReplyDeleteAlthough her sojourn on earth was cut short, she left a lasting legacy of fond memories for the family and friends she left behind.
With heartfelt condolences,
Gina Marin
I am going to miss Catherine. She had a way of befriending all of us with her warmth, care and kindness. Even in the midst of great challenges she continued to celebrate the days of her life.
ReplyDeleteI first met Catherine at the Priory when she had begun her chemotherapy treatments. She was radiant and beautiful bald or with hair. She and Bill served as Class Chairs for the Annual Fund, and I marveled at their beautifully crafted letters and notes that were sent to the parents. Cynthia was a regular visitor in my office and brought hugs and laughter. It was a privilege to meet this wonderful family and to be counted as one of their friends.
I remember the first caroling party that my daughter Julie and I attended in Cynthia’s sophomore year. Everyone brought cookies or cakes to share and had a wonderful time together. I saw a set of drums in the living room and thought those probably belonged to one of her sons. I soon learned that they were Catherine’s drums! What an amazing woman with so many interests, an extraordinary intellect and the gift of bringing out the best in those around her.
In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Catherine was an inspiration to me as I traveled that road. She modeled the life of the spirit that didn’t let cancer define her. She was also there for me in person bringing me home-made cookies even as she was going through trials of her own.
Catherine, Cynthia, Bill and the boys have blessed all of those who know them. They show love, courage, hope, perseverance and tenacity. God bless this beautiful family and may God bless Catherine as her spirit shines bright in heaven.
Having just learned of Catherine's passing, and reading all these wonderful tributes, I can see her smiling face as I remember her sitting across the table for lunch while the kids were in school. She truly was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was so giving and yet so appreciative of the smallest thing anyone else may have done for her. Although it has been many years since we saw each other or been in touch since I moved out of California, I will never forget the courage and dignity she had as she struggled with her illness. I am so glad she was able to battle the enemy for so long and get to enjoy her loving family and was there to see Cynthia graduate college and grow up to the lovely young woman she is. She was always so proud of her. As Thanksgiving approaches, my thoughts will be with all of you.
ReplyDelete