Catherine Daly
Cathy Daly was born in Boise on November 9, 1932, at the old St. Alphonsus Hospital, the fourth child of Carey H. and Kathrina (Johnson) Nixon. She attended Roosevelt grade school and graduated from Boise High (the only high school at that time) in 1950. She attended Stanford University, graduating in 1954. She earned a Master’s Degree from Stanford in 1956 with a major in Speech and Hearing Pathology.
Her mother’s grandfather, Richard Z. Johnson was a territorial Attorney General for Idaho before it was granted statehood. He had a thriving law practice in Silver City for some time and later “removed” (as they did in those days) to Boise City. He and his son, Richard H. Johnson set up a law practice in old Boise over 100 years ago. When Richard Z died, Richard H.’s son-in-law, Carey H. Nixon, joined the practice and continued practicing law there until shortly before his death in 1980. Kathrina Johnson Nixon was born in one of what was then apartments at 517 Idaho St., owned by her grandfather. There was no hospital in Boise at the time. The Johnson family home used to be located on the southeast corner of 6th. and Idaho, where the Old Boise parking lot is now.
Cathy married her high school sweetheart, Ron Daly, at St. John’s Cathedral on September 10, 1954. They graduated from Stanford University and returned to Boise, where Ron continued to work for Daly & Co., his father’s brokerage firm. He was drafted by the army in 1956, was stationed at Fort Ord, CA and lived in Carmel Valley. Their first child, Mark was born in Monterey, CA. After Ron served two years in the Army, they returned to Boise where Ron resumed his career. Cathy is survived by her husband Ron of 69 years, son Mark (Vickie Shepherd and their children; Derek, Anna, and Charlie), daughter Karen (Dale Bowles), daughter Janet (Kevin Kildee and their children Miranda and Madeline), son John (and his children Jaclyn, Johnny, and Alexandra) and daughter Susan.
Cathy thoroughly enjoyed and was captivated by her grandchildren and their activities. She especially enjoyed telling stories about the “old days in McCall,” when her grandparents and parents had no electricity; ice and milk were delivered; all the roads were dirt; the wonderful summer storms; the very few boats on the lake, the old ’28 Packard she used to go to town for groceries or a movie; the long, long walks, making ‘moon shadows’, conversations, and stories! Her children and grandchildren loved listening to the story about when lightning hit a big yellow pine near the back door and flames came out of one of the neighbor’s phone and the other neighbor’s water heater. What a time we all had!
Cathy was an avid duck hunter (to say the least) and an expert steelhead fisherwoman. She loved making chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, homemade ice cream, and homemade soup for her family, friends, and neighbors. Her children and grandchildren loved to help with these kitchen projects, so it only took twice as long. But, the fun and good times were priceless.
Cathy enjoyed and felt it was a privilege caring for her brother, Arnold, during his life. He added valuable insight for her into those who are in need of extra care and attention. Her siblings, Harvey, Arnold, Betty, and her parents preceded her in death. She considered her proudest accomplishment to raise their five children with good morals, a good education, strong work ethic, and nice people to be around.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 811 S. Latah St. in Boise, with Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.