Catherine ‘Cat’ ‘Gabbi’ Johnson

1944 — 2023

Catherine “Cat” aka “Gabbi” Johnson, 79, of Sonora, passed away on Jan. 30, 2023, with family by her side. She was born and raised in Napa. After graduating Napa Senior High School in 1961, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1962. Catherine married and relocated to California a few years later. In 1973, she moved to Goleta, California, and divorced shortly thereafter. After her daughters graduated high school, she then relocated to Santa Maria, California, but chose to live her later years in Sonora to be near her grandchildren.

Catherine spent more than 40 years in the construction industry and had a lifelong appreciation for the desert. She enjoyed reading, quilting, bowling, attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, and traveling often to meet up with her dearest friends of 65 years.

Those who knew her agree she was a grounded, independent, and strong-willed woman who cared deeply for all. She offered shelter and motherly advice to those who needed it and rescued countless animals over the years, taking them in as her own. Catherine led a simple life, but her kindness and compassion ran deep. She was an inspiration to others, dedicating her life caring for others.

She is survived by her two daughters, Tracy Johnson of Atascadero, California, and Tanya Sanguinetti (Jason), of Sonora; and two granddaughters, Lauren and Taylor Allen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas L. Combs and Martha D. Stevenson, as well as her siblings, Frances Tofte, Tomas L. Combs and Martha Ann Abbott.

A small celebration of life with family and friends to be announced.