Cathleen Jill McIntyre

We lost our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Cathleen Jill McIntyre, on March 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with COPD.

Cathy was born on August 12, 1964, to John and Peggy McIntyre. She was the fourth of five girls, arriving 17 minutes ahead of her twin sister, Christine. Cathy spent her early years in Salt Lake City before her family moved to Fullerton, California, where she attended Sunny Hills High School.

Cathy’s greatest purpose began early, when she stepped into motherhood at just 18 years old with the birth of her daughter, Dana Lynn, followed 1 year later by her son, Jacob Taylor. As a young, single parent, Cathy’s youth was defined by her absolute commitment to her children. They didn’t just grow up under her roof; they truly grew up together. Cathy was their constant companion, first cheerleader, and best friend, working tireless hours to provide and never missing a chance to show up for her kids in any way she could.

On December 29, 2002, Cathy married the absolute love of her life, Charles Calvert McDonald. In this union, she also gained a bonus son, Ashton Tracy. The kind of profound love Cathy and Charlie shared is what most people only dream of. They shared a deep love of music, and almost every Friday night, you could find them having a living room dance party.

Also in 2002, Cathy earned her favorite title: "Grammy". With the birth of Kaden, followed a few years later by Dillon, Baylee, and Cash, she found a new generation to champion. Just as she had been a mom to all of her children’s friends, she generously became a "Grammy" to anyone who needed one.

Her career was as diverse as her interests. She spent years in retail management for The Limited, The Gap, and Chevron, and even spent a year as a long-haul truck driver alongside her twin sister, Chris!

Cathy found joy in the simple things. She cherished her little Sugar House home, where she would sit in her kitchen window or on her front porch, making friends with every neighbor and animal that passed by. She was a free spirit and woman of the earth who loved the sun, gardening, and having her feet in the grass. She held a special fondness for the beaches of Mexico, where she made countless family memories. The McIntyre sisters also shared a legendary love for playing the slots together in Wendover. She was also a die hard fan of the Denver Broncos and University of Utah football.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Peggy McIntyre; her eldest sister, Marilyn; and her nephew, CJ. She is survived and by her soulmate, Charlie; her children, Dana Johnson, Jacob (Amy) Young, and Ashton (Rikka) McDonald; her beloved grandchildren, Kaden, Holly, Dillon, Baylee, and Cash; and her sisters, Melissa, Julie (Phil), her twin, Chris, and nephews, John (Sarah) and Alex “Sweetah” (Angela).

A celebration of life will be held in her honor on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 1:00pm at 861 E Parkway Ave in Salt Lake City. Words cannot express how much she was loved and how deeply she will be missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in any pain and is now sitting on the beach with her parents and sister, sipping a cold Corona with her toes in the sand.