Olga Cathemer

BIOGRAPHY

Olga Cathemer was born in Chandler, Arizona, USA, on 28 September 1916. She was baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Tempe. Growing up in Chandler as the only girl among seven brothers, she said that music was always a major part of her life. Her grandparents owned an old organ, and with her grandfather’s help, she learned to play it, read music, and play the violin. She also developed a good singing voice. While she was in high school, she became a featured singer on a morning radio show at a station in Phoenix, singing for half an hour each morning.

Music and singing continued to play a major role in her life into adulthood. For many years, she served as the choir director at her church in Florence. She was also a longtime member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Florence. In high school, a teacher taught her how to sew, and for much of her adult life, she made her own clothing. She graduated from high school at the age of 18 and was immediately taken to Phoenix by the director of the federal National Youth Administration, along with her home economics and business teachers, for whom she worked as a secretary.

In 1937, she married Thomas (Tom) Cathemer and moved to Florence. The couple had four children: Thomas Robert II; twin sons John and Gerald; and Olga Marie. She outlived all of her children. She was active in the community, joining the Florence Woman’s Club, the Junior Club, and the Federation Club, where she served for a time as secretary and later as vice president. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Clemans Cattle Company and Clemans Motors.

In 1956, Cathemer was widowed. With a son and daughter still living at home, she took a job in the Pinal County Supervisors’ Office while also attending Arizona State University. In 1964, Cathemer graduated from ASU with a bachelor’s degree in education and became a remedial reading specialist. She earned a master’s degree a few years later and spent her career teaching in Florence.

Cathemer lived alone for decades. In 2020, at the age of 103 or 104, she moved into an assisted-living facility.

RECOGNITION

Her age is currently under review, as of 28 September 2026.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Former Florence teacher to celebrate turning 105 this month” – PinalCentral.com, 15 September 2021

* “Olga Cathemer’s 109th Birthday Blessing and Celebration – September 2025” – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

GALLERY

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