Col. Catherine (Higley) DeVera ’83

Col. Catherine (Higley) DeVera, Davis, CA, died June 4, 2024, of cancer.

Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was also a decorated Air Force veteran.

She grew up in Salem, MA, and attended St Mary’s High School, Lynn, MA. During high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in various clubs and sports, earning varsity letters in cross-country, swimming, basketball and track. She continued her education at Saint Michael’s, earning a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business administration. While at St Mike’s, she was a member of the women’s swim team and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Upon graduation, she was commissioned a second lieutenant. Cathy’s 30 years of Air Force service included assignments in the U.S. and overseas, serving on both active duty and in the Air Force Reserve. While in the Air Force she continued her education, earning a master’s from Boston University in business administration. After retiring from the Air Force, Cathy continued to serve others by working in the business office of Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, CA.

While stationed in Germany she met the love of her life, Hal. Together they shared many adventures, including skiing in Europe and the U.S., sailing on both U.S. coasts and in French Polynesia, biking, and camping in their van. The best adventure came when their daughter Lauren was born. She was a kind, smart and wonderful child who grew up to be a trusted friend, and the light and laughter of the family. Spending time with family and friends brought Cathy her greatest joy.

Throughout her life, Cathy enjoyed many hobbies including swimming, running, skiing, sailing, walking, yoga, biking, knitting, sewing, cooking, playing board games and card games, jigsaw puzzles, reading and traveling.  Above all, the center of Cathy’s life was her family.

Cathy faced her cancer challenge with faith, courage, grace and a positive attitude. She maintained her sense of humor to the end. She will be remembered for her warm smile, wonderful sense of humor and her gracious, grateful, generous, compassionate and kind personality. She was a very special person who found goodness in everyone she met, and her legacy of love lives on in all who knew her.

Cathy treasured her time at Saint Michael’s and the lifelong friends she met at the College. Her ability to attend St Mike’s was made possible, in part, by financial aid awarded by the College. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to Saint Michaels College, Winooski VT, Scholarships: https://engage.smcvt.edu/give

Designation: Scholarships. Comment: In memory of Catherine E. (Higley) DeVera class of 1983.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Hal DeVera, a daughter, a brother, two sisters including her identical twin, Brig. Gen. Mary (Higley) Hittmeier ’83, and extended family.