Cathy McAllister Jorgenson

Cathy McAllister Jorgenson peacefully passed through the veil on the morning of September 27, 2025, from complications of multiple sclerosis.

Born in Brigham City, Utah, in 1946 to Alice Ann Anderson and John George McAllister, Cathy was a bright, curious child who loved reading and adventures. There was never a challenge she wouldn’t meet head-on or a problem she couldn't solve with her trademark determination.

Cathy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith led her to meet her sweetheart, James C. Jorgenson, in 1969. Their first date—a blind date to Sunday church service—quickly blossomed into a lifelong love, and they married later that year.

While raising their young family, Cathy graduated from the Weber State College nursing program. She later earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Southern Utah University while working full-time as a nurse, still being a full-time mother, and doting on her expanding bunch of grandchildren. Her tireless commitment to caring for others defined her both at home and in her profession. Cathy loved nursing and dedicated her career to serving patients in the ICU, home health, and rural hospitals.

She had many passions: gardening, teaching, and learning. Cathy was a fount of knowledge and delighted in sharing it freely, especially with her children and grandchildren—teaching them practical skills, life lessons, and the values she knew would serve them well. She also had a legendary sense of humor and was an enthusiastic prankster who loved to laugh. More than anything, Cathy longed for a big family and took immense joy in being a mother and grandmother. She was proud of her prolific gardens and the way her family always slept best at her house. She worked hard to make her home a safe, welcoming place for all who entered—offering a warm meal, a listening ear, and a soft place to land. Over the years she became a “substitute grandmother” to many children in her community, freely giving the same care and encouragement she lavished on her own.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Alice Ann Anderson and John George McAllister; her parents-in-law, Genevieve L. and James C. Jorgenson; and her brothers, Garry and David McAllister.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, James C. Jorgenson; her sons Steven (Roxie) Jorgenson, Andrew (Jacoy) Jorgenson, and Dustin Jorgenson; grandchildren Jillian Jorgenson, Ashley Jorgenson, McKynna Jorgenson, Kieran (Alysha) Jorgenson, Savannah Jorgenson, Braden Jorgenson, Austin Jorgenson, and Drew Jorgenson; great-grandchildren Halen, James, and Colt; her sisters Mari Howard and Amy Dunlap, and her brother David Collette.

Because Cathy loved her family and friends deeply and fiercely, those she leaves behind will miss her with equal tenderness, gratitude, and affection.