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Cathy Jean Harlow August 10, 1958-August 25, 2024 Cathy Jean Harlow, 66, was born on August 10th, 1958 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born to parents James and Ollie Smith. She was the youngest of four Smith girls. Cathy moved from Wisconsin to Ohio during her younger childhood years. She then left Dayton, Ohio for Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 13 where she attended junior high and high school. She graduated from El Camino Real High School in 1976. After graduating high school, Cathy attended Pierce Junior College in Woodland Hills before transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While living in San Luis Obispo, Cathy met the love of her life, Larry Harlow. They met in 1978, and were married in 1980. Their love was instant, and long-lasting. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in June of 2024. Together, they welcomed three children, and share nine grandchildren. Cathy was proceeded in death by her parents, Jim and Ollie Smith. She is survived by her loving Husband, Larry, their three children; Breanna Burton and husband Justin, Kristen Johnson and husband Kristopher, Nick Harlow and wife Kayla, and their nine grandchildren Gracin, Brooks, Evelynn, Hadley, Cate, Jackson, Sadie, Liam and Keigan. Being a grandmother was Cathy’s greatest joy and she did it so very well. Cathy was a woman of God. She loved those around her with her whole heart. She had a passion for her small backyard farm where she raised two goats, chickens and loved fresh eggs. She had a green thumb and loved her many potted plants. She loved camping, kayaking, fishing, and traveling in her RV with her husband and dogs. Cathy is remembered for being selfless, caring, and resilient, with a bit of sass. A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of our Savior in Orcutt on September 6th at 11:00am, followed by a graveside service at the Santa Maria Cemetery. A celebration of life lunch will follow at the Smith Family Barn.
