Cathleen 'Cathy' Hanson, 87
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 15 hours, 41 minutes AGO
Cathleen "Cathy" Hanson, 87, was born on Sept. 1, 1939, in Manhattan, New York. She passed away on Sept. 18, 2026, at her final home in Kalispell. She lived a life rooted in curiosity, compassion and a deep love for the natural world.
Cathy had a gift for noticing the underlying patterns and details of life, always the determined student, always searching for a deeper understanding. That curiosity, paired with a wonderful sense of humor, frequently made her a joy to be around and a force to be reckoned with. She built a beautiful farm life for her family near Lake Blaine, grounding those she loved closer to nature and to one another.
Professionally, Cathy served the Flathead Conservation District, where she left a lasting mark on the land she cherished. Her crowning achievement was the revitalization of Spring Creek in the Flathead Valley.
Beginning in 1987, that ambitious project brought together more than 200 private landowners to reverse severe aquatic degradation through sediment reduction, channel reconstruction, riparian enhancement, and the recovery of the fishery. It was work that reflected who she was: patient, collaborative and devoted to healing what she loved.
After retiring, Cathy spent rewarding years traveling the United States and Canada with her husband, Larry Hanson, soaking in the sights, sounds and cultures that fed her endless curiosity. Closer to home, she was an avid reader, a creative quilter and an attentive gardener. One of her favorite escapes was camping at Kintla Lake alongside the great Lyle Ruterbories.
Cathy was the proud grandmother to five and great-grandmother to another five. She is survived by her daughters, Terri and Suzzane; and her sons, Peter and Kevin; along with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her spirit forward.
The loss of Cathy will be profound for those who knew her well, for she was a force of nature and a compassionate cultivator of genuine bonds. Her warmth, her wisdom and her laughter will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Immanuel Living at Buffalo Hills. All who loved her are warmly invited to gather and remember a life fully lived well. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.