Obituary of Catherine Frances Hannel Boardman

On Saturday, August 22nd, we laid to rest Catherine Frances Hannel Boardman. We said goodbye to a beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who led an exceptional life and was loved by all. Catherine was born on April 5, 1946 in Chatsorth, CA and preceded in death by her parents, Madeline (Homemaker) and Edgar Hannel (Aerospace Industry). Raised with horses, Catherine developed a great love for animals, especially her beloved Basenji dogs. In 1954, Catherine moved to Santa Cruz with her parents and brother, David Hannel, who passed in 1978. Catherine attended Soquel High and continued her schooling to acquire a teaching credential from San Jose State University in 1969. She began teaching immediately, and her love for her students and the passing on of knowledge was evident to all who knew her. She taught grades 1 thru 4 at Delaveaga and Gateway schools for over 25 years combined. Catherine was also an avid traveler and filled multiple passports with journeys throughout Europe; her favorite locations being Venice and Rome. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution alongside her mother, as well as the United Federation of Doll Clubs- Santa Cruz Chapter. Earlier adventures included taking part in a Mustang Club of Santa Cruz rally through the county, and winning! Catherine is survived by her husband of 44 years, Thomas Boardman; son, Chris Boardman; stepdaughter, Julie Boardman Rorden; grandchildren, Ryan Rorden, Jeanine Rorden-Gee (Nathaniel), Adrienne Rorden, and Erin Rorden-Monsivais (Michael); great-grandchildren, Haven Gee, Hyrum Gee, Adalyn Gee, Annabel Gee, Marriner Gee and Lucy Monsivais; and nephew, Dennis Hannel (Tiffany). She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, little Matthias Gee. We will cherish every moment we had with Catherine, and be forever grateful for helping us be who we are today. As we say goodbye, and pass Catherine into the loving arms of those waiting for her, we have no doubt that she is once again walking strongly and briskly through the streets of her treasured Venice. We love you Cathy and all look forward to trips together when we meet again. Services will be held on Labor Day, September 7th at 10:00 A.M. at the Oakwood Memorial Park, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95065.