In Memory Of: Cathy Hemly

Cathy’s Trademark Smile:  There is no smile brighter than Cathy's.  She shines with happiness, strength, and resiliency.  She smiled, even on days she didn't want to.  Her character oozes strength circled in a wonderful aura of happy selfless fulfillment.

 

Cathy touched lives, enriched friendships, and she adores her family.  All this speaks volumes about her life accomplishments.  The world is always a better place because of Cathy!  

 

A lady of leadership, happiness, and creativity.  A role model where compassion and strength meet.  A passionate Delta lady.  An amazing businesswoman and humanitarian, so blessed to live an extraordinary life.  All this, wrapped together behind her brilliant smile.

 

The Rotarian in our Community:   Cathy's service is through the constant support she offered our community to better our lives.  Married to Doug, a long time and very active member of the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove, she always supported us.

 

The Granite Goddesses:  Cathy is a long-time member of the morning walking ladies, dubbed the Granite Goddesses, who also conquered 90 miles of the John Muir Trail together.  There is no doubt this lady is walking and carrying on in spirit.

 

Honoring Woman in Agriculture:  This woman is an amazing trail blazer in the ag world!  Cathy was often honored for her achievements and contributions to agriculture. For the past few decades, she has been instrumental in changing how food is grown! Before Organic was a thing, Cathy helped co-author the Integrated Pest Management Pear Handbook.

 

Always a pioneer, she helped the orchards of Greene and Hemly in Courtland obtain one of the first California Certified Organic Farmers certificates. She has been the force behind all quality and safety in the orchard and packing sheds. Meanwhile she has been volunteering in the community, fighting for, and raising funds to preserve the Delta, all while raising two children and four grandchildren.

 

In 2018, Cathy stood among amazing company at the Common Threads North annual awards honoring women in agriculture. We are extremely lucky to have such an amazing, strong, and talented women backing everything we do. Now, as Cathy says let's just all "get up and do what needs to be done".

 

Forever loved:  Cathy is part of the 5th generation of the family.  The Hemly family, our entire community and beyond grieve the loss of Cathy, who endured her courageous fight with cancer - with her strength and trademark smile.