Catherine "Cathi" Lynn Flaherty

Catherine (Cathi) Lynn Flaherty, aged 68, of Ferndale, passed away in her home on May 20, 2026. Strong, feisty, loving, and fiercely devoted to the people she cherished, Cathi fought to remain by their side for as long as she could.

She was born in Bellingham, WA on April 24, 1958, to Roy and Bernice Pottle. A lifelong Ferndale resident, Cathi graduated from FHS in 1976. She spent many hours playing softball for the Pottle women's team and working at Harvey’s Drive-in with her sisters and cousins. Cathi always loved spending time with her parents and extended family as well.

She met the love of her life, Jeff, at the Cocoanut Grove in Bellingham. They married in 1982. Though opposites in many ways, Cathi and Jeff balanced one another beautifully, building a life rooted in laughter, loyalty, and enduring love. They loved dancing, listening to music, and simply enjoying each other’s company. They set an example of true love and partnership for those around them. She died just one month shy of their 44th wedding anniversary.

Cathi spent 26 years as a paraeducator for the Ferndale School District, and was a dedicated staff member at North Bellingham and Cascadia Elementary Schools. Cathi had a gift for connecting with children and took great pride in helping them learn and grow. She also treasured the lasting friendships she built with her coworkers, especially the ladies of the Resource Room. When she wasn’t at school, she spent many weekends working at her family’s antique store, where she enjoyed finding treasures and running her own booth.

Though she was a gifted educator, nothing brought Cathi more pride or joy than being a mom. Together, Jeff and Cathi raised two girls, Keeley and Megan. She attended every sporting event, drove countless carpools in her minivan, and loved having a home filled with her daughters’ friends (unless Jeff was sleeping for the night shift).

Her love of babies made her especially excited to become a grandmother. She eagerly awaited the arrival of her grandson, Declan, and treasured their time together. Three years later, she welcomed her granddaughter Harriet, who brought her just as much joy.

While Alzheimer’s slowly changed much about Cathi, she will be deeply missed both for the woman she was and for the woman she became throughout her journey with the disease.

She is survived by her devoted husband and caregiver, Jeff Flaherty; daughters Keeley Olson (Caleb) and Megan Flaherty (Ed Bellew); parents Roy and Bernice Pottle; grandchildren Declan and Harriet; sisters Debbi Dahlquist (Dan), Ronni Olsen (Gary), and Tammi Pottle (Bryn Bailey); brother-in-law Pat Flaherty; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by many close family members, including her in-laws, Ruby and Dennis Flaherty; and her sisters-in-law, Karen Flaherty and Nancy Nordby.

The family is deeply grateful to Cathi's caregivers, whose compassion, patience, and kindness brought comfort and dignity to her during her final years.

A Celebration of Life for Cathi will be held at the Silver Reef Casino Resort Event Center South Tower on June 20 from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Please wear Cathi’s favorite color, purple, if you can.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Amy’s Place/Dementia Support Northwest or Whatcom Hospice.