Catherine C. Boring

Catherine Chase Boring passed away on the morning of July 2, 2017 at her home in Decatur with her husband and three children close by. She was 67 years old.

Cathy will always be remembered for her compassion, love of nature, intelligence, and her commitment to her friends, family, and community.

Born to John Alden and Mary Eleanor Chase in Kansas City, Missouri, Cathy was the only daughter in a family of six children. After attending high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Cathy graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She then went on to receive a Master’s of Science in Ecology from The University of Georgia. Cathy then worked at Grady Hospital, inspiring her to study epidemiology at the Emory School of Public Health. Later, she served as the Director of Surveillance Statistics at the American Cancer Society.

Cathy lived a rich personal life, inspired by her intellect, devotion to friends and family, and sense of adventure. She was an avid reader her whole life, as evidenced by her appreciation for great stories, her clever wit, and her unbeatable Scrabble skills. Cathy had a deep love of nature and biology; she was an accomplished Master Gardener with a beautifully cultivated garden of vegetables, flowers, and carnivorous plants. She loved to walk the beaches at St. George Island in search of rare seashells. Cathy traveled widely, including hiking trips in Europe and a science vacation to the Galapagos Islands. Wherever Cathy went she made friends; she was interested in people and hearing their stories. Cathy found joy in sharing meals and meaningful traditions. Cathy strove to make her community a better place; she spent many hours volunteering as a tutor at local schools, serving as PTA president, and organizing fundraising and service activities for schools and athletic organizations. Her lifelong support of philanthropic causes reflected her principled sense of civic duty.

Cathy was a caring friend, mother, and wife, and always saw the best in every one she met. She raised her children with the values that defined her spirit: kindness, curiosity, and an ever-present sense of humor.

Cathy is survived by her husband, John Boring; her three children: Michael, Sam, and Annie Boring who all live in the Decatur area; as well as four brothers: John, Jim, Tom, and Matt Chase.

A memorial of Cathy’s life will be held on July 22, 2017 at the Friends Meeting House at 701 West Howard Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to The Student Conservation Association or the charity of your choice.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.