Catherine “Cathy” Shea McCurdy, a beloved community leader in Hermosa Beach, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2025. She was 74 years old. Diabetes was a contributing factor in her death, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to her community.
Born in Queens, New York, Cathy was the daughter of Raymond and Erma “Susie” Shea. She spent her formative years in Hermosa Beach, where she graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1969. In 1978, Cathy married Richard H. “Dick” McCurdy, and together they made significant contributions to both the local economy and community service initiatives.
Cathy and Dick were known for their longstanding involvement in the glass business at Shea Company in Hermosa Beach. However, it was their extensive volunteer work that truly defined their impact on the community. Cathy served on the Hermosa Beach School Board and dedicated many years to the Hermosa Valley School. Her commitment to education was evident in her founding of the Kiwanis Builders Club, which aimed to empower young people in the area.
In addition to her educational endeavors, Cathy supported various local organizations, including the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation and the Sister City Association. She also represented Hermosa Beach on the Los Angeles County Beach Commission for nearly a decade, advocating for the interests of the community.
Cathy’s leadership extended to her involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Hermosa Beach, where she and Dick took on numerous roles, including serving as President. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored as the “Hermosa Beach Woman of the Year” in 1998, a testament to her dedication to community service.
A funeral service and inurnment are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on February 21, 2026, at St. Cross Episcopal Church, located at 1818 Monterey Blvd., Hermosa Beach. A celebration of her life will follow at the Kiwanis Hall, situated at 2515 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach. Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to pay their respects and honor Cathy’s remarkable legacy.
As Hermosa Beach reflects on the life of Cathy McCurdy, her impact on education, community service, and local governance will be remembered fondly by those she touched throughout her life.
