Catherine Pauley Johnston ’87

Cathy died Sept. 16, 2025, near her family cottage in Harbor Beach, Mich., the result of a cycling accident. She had a commitment to service, an unquenchable intellectual curiosity, and relentless enthusiasm.

Born in Taiwan, Cathy’s East Asian childhood defined her professional journey. At Princeton, she sang with the Glee Club, joined Tower, majored in East Asian Studies, and met her husband, Wes Johnston ’87. She attended Michigan and studied Chinese at Middlebury.

Cathy cherished singing in choral groups and musicals and belting out show tunes with her family during long car rides. An avid athlete, Cathy embraced cycling, triathlons, and golf trips with Wes. Living in Kailua, Hawaii, she delighted in hosting friends for trips to the beach, local hikes, the perfect farmer’s market, and her beloved dog, Trixie.

Cathy dedicated more than 30 years to a career in intelligence, becoming a recognized expert on national security and East Asia. She traversed roles at CIA, DIA, DNI, and IndoPacific Command. Colleagues admired her sharp insight, strategic mind, and tireless dedication to national interests.

Cathy is survived by Wes; daughters Allegra and Aria; granddaughter Maia; her father, Joseph; and siblings Joe and Cecelia.

See more at https://www.hstoday.us/industry/honoring-the-legacy-of-cathy-johnston-and-her-distinguished-career-in-national-security/.