HERTER CATHERINE HOOKER HERTER Catherine Hooker Herter, 87, of Washington, DC, died at home surrounded by family and friends, on March 30, 2017, after a brief illness. Born in Burlingame, California, on September 7, 1929, Cathy was the daughter of the late Robert G. Hooker and Marian K. Hooker of Washington, DC. She attended Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, and the Parsons School of Design in New York City before working at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Cathy is survived by her three children, Gay Cameron of Canaan, Connecticut; Juan Cameron of Washington, DC; and Libby Cameron of Greenwich, Connecticut. Her son, Mark Cameron, predeceased her in 2007. Cathy was the devoted grandmother of eight grandchildren: Shreve Cameron; Olivia, Emma and Luke Cameron; and Flora, Charlotte and Clara Irving. Her eighth grandchild, Ian Cameron, predeceased her. She was also the loving sister of Robert G. Hooker III of London, England, and Sally H. Sullivan of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Her first marriage, to Juan M. Cameron, ended in divorce in 1971. In 1986 she married Christian A. Herter, whom she often described as "the love of my life," who died in 2007. Known to all as Peachy, Cathy was the embodiment of her nickname, a warm, wise and witty woman with a passion for romance - always excited to hear who was in love with whom, and eager to play matchmaker to all who crossed her path. The quintessential hostess, Cathy's parties were renowned for gathering a storied cross section of Washington's political, academic, literary and artistic worlds, both veterans and aspiring youth. She was intelligent, sophisticated and funny, telling wonderful stories to those who gathered around her, making them feel loved, wanted and at home. As anyone who visited her can attest, her taste for casual elegance was evident throughout her house. Although filled with antiques, family heirlooms and art, each room was marked by color and comfort, with chairs and sofas made for curling up and reading. An accomplished artist, she exhibited her watercolors and oils in numerous group shows in Georgetown, and heralded the artistic achievements of friends, children and grandchildren. Peachy's greatest passion was her grandchildren. She adored them beyond words, and regaled those who visited her with multiple anecdotes about each one. While always true to an old school style, because of her grandchildren Peachy embraced modernity with vigor, becoming an expert in texting and Facebook, the better to communicate every moment with those she loved most. Especially In the last years of her life, her grandchildren brought her so much joy and happiness with each text, post, call and visit. She celebrated every aspect of their lives, followed every achievement and milestone, and was excited to hear every bit of grandchild news, however small. As she said frequently, they were the "lights of her life." Peachy's generosity of spirit, sense of humor, deep loyalty and capacity to love profoundly touched the lives of relatives and friends alike. She is deeply missed. A private family service will be held on the rocks of Southport Island, Maine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rachel Carson Council.Peachy's generosity of spirit, sense of humor, deep loyalty and capacity to love profoundly touched the lives of relatives and friends alike. She is deeply missed. A private family service will be held on the rocks of Southport Island, Maine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rachel Carson Council.