DIANE LARAINE CATHCART

Diane passed away in the early morning of November 18, 2022, at her home with her husband of 58 years Edward, daughter Laraine and sister Cheri.

Diane was born on November 11, 1948 to Robert “Bruce” French and Margaret (Hewes) French at St. Mary Hospital in Long Beach, California. Her sister Cheri was born 4 years later, and the family resided in Los Angeles County.

Diane met “Eddie” singing in the Sky Pilot Gospel Choir and they were married on December 11, 1964. They lived their 58 years together in Gardena California and also frequently visited and owned property in the Kern River Valley. In 1965 their son Jimmy was born and four years later in 1969 their daughter Laraine was born. Eddie and Diane raised their children in the Christian Faith attending Lawndale Four Square Church, and Bethany Chapel / City at The Cross Church in Long Beach.

Over the years they enjoyed sharing their faith, singing in church choir (Diane traveled to Japan with a Gospel Ensemble) cross country motorcycle trips with their Christian Motorcycle Riders Group.  After years of riding back saddle with Eddie, Diane obtained her own motorcycle license at age 59 and rode her own motorcycles for more than a decade. In 2015 Eddie and Diane purchased their current beautiful Squirrel Valley Home at Lake Isabella where they continued to spend time with family (Diane’s sister Cheri is a Squirrel Valley Resident) enjoyed fishing for a season and kayaking on Lake Isabella. Diane was employed with Northrop Grumman Space (formerly TRW) as a Senior Procurement Buyer in Redondo Beach, California for more than 30 years.

Diane was a beloved daughter, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, and she was an encourager and friend to all.

Diane Laraine Cathcart is survived by her Husband Eddie Cathcart of Squirrel Valley, California; Sister Cheri French of Squirrel Valley, California, Son and Daughter In Law Jim and Karin Cathcart of Orange, California, Daughter and Son In Law Laraine and Jeff Willingham of Garden Grove, California, as well as Grandsons Chad and Jeremy Cathcart and Austin Willingham, and Granddaughters Lauren Cathcart and Natalie Willingham, and Great Grandchildren Sophia, Oliver and Josiah Cathcart – all local residents in California.

Graveside Services were held at the Kern Valley Cemetery on November 26 with her immediate family. Pastor Cody Criswell of the Canyon Hills Kern River Valley Church where Eddie and Diane are both members performed the service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for all family and friends.