Lasting Memories

Catherine Hovland
Dec. 13, 1925-June 30, 2014
Meridian, Idaho

Catherine "Cathy" Jean Hovland passed away June 30, 2014, in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 88. With her passing, the Stanford Cardinal and San Francisco 49ers football teams lost one of their biggest fans.

Cathy was born December 13, 1925, in Larimore, North Dakota, where she graduated from Larimore High School. She was the only child of Harold and Emma Steedsman (nee Brown). Cathy was an excellent cook resulting from helping her parents run the family restaurant and bakery in Fargo, North Dakota, during her teen years. Cathy attended business school in Fargo.

She moved out west and settled in San Francisco after WWII where she met and married Robert George Hovland Jr. on December 10, 1948. The marriage ceremony was presided over by the groom's father, the Reverend Robert George Hovland Sr.

Cathy's career spanned over 50 years in the telecommunications business. Her first telecommunications job was at Pacific Telephone in Palo Alto, California, where she handled the Stanford University account. Immediately after retirement on December 30, 1983, she started her second career working at Stanford University performing the Stanford side of the account. She retired from Stanford University in 2000 at the age of 75 having been involved in the incredible growth of Stanford University from a very special vantage point. She oversaw and processed countless orders fulfilling the telecommunication needs on numerous new facilities as well as supporting major sporting events. Her colleagues spoke highly of Cathy's work ethic and excellent communication skills and nominated her for and was a finalist in the prestigious Amy Blue Award. The Amy Blue Award honors staff members who are exceptionally dedicated, supportive of colleagues and passionate about their work.

Cathy was a huge fan of Stanford Cardinal and San Francisco 49ers football. At Stanford she had season tickets on the 50-yard line for Cardinal football games. She enjoyed tailgating and attending games with her many friends.

Cathy suffered from severe osteoporosis and decided to become an Idahoan in 2007 when she sold her home in Palo Alto, California, and moved to Meridian to be closer to her son. Sadly she had to leave behind her Stanford football season tickets and many friends and colleagues, including her best friend and neighbor, Wilma.

Cathy is survived by her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Lames Hovland, and her only child, R. David Hovland, who will always remember her incredible energy, kindness and strength, as well as her being the solid foundation of the family.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert George Hovland Jr., who passed away October 26, 1996.

The family is grateful for the excellent care Cathy received at the Meadow Lake Village retirement facility in Meridian and from Heart 'n Home Hospice, Meridian.