Catherine Ann Ahl

Catherine Ahl, 80, of Poulsbo, Washington, passed away on March 7, 2025. A tireless advocate for education, Catherine will be remembered for her strong voice, passion, humor, and keen intellect, and above all, her unwavering commitment to public education.

Catherine was born and raised in Crystal City, Missouri, graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, taught physical education for a year in Atlanta, GA, and then married John Ahl, a Naval officer.

From 1967-1994 Catherine moved around the country and the world with her family. They were stationed in Northern Ireland, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines as well as Virginia, California, Mississippi, Washington State, and New Jersey. Catherine taught for several years and has been an advocate for education all her adult life.

Prior to moving to Washington State in 1995, Catherine was the Education Specialist with the National Military Family Association in Washington, DC and advocated for military children’s education at the Pentagon and in Congress. She also served as Director of Government Relations for two years and received the Association’s Most Valuable Volunteer Award in 1994.

In 1997 Catherine was appointed Education Chair for the League of Women Voters of Washington State where she followed legislation and advocated for education in Olympia. She served on the state League Board from 1998 to 2003 and was on the LWV Kitsap Board from 1997 to 2012, serving as President from 2009 to 2012. In 2021, Catherine was one of two recipients of the Dorothy Roberts Award, presented every two years to a person who shares a commitment, dedication and passion for the mission of the League.

In 1999 Catherine was elected to the North Kitsap School Board and served for 8 years. She received the Washington Education Association’s Friend of Public Education Award in 2005 and the NK PTA Advocacy for Children award in 2008. Catherine campaigned statewide for passage of Initiative 728 (reducing class size), defeat of two charter school initiatives and one referendum, and passage of simple majority for school levies.

In May 2013 Catherine received the Liberty Bell Award from the Kitsap County Bar Association. The award goes to a non-lawyer who has promoted legal education and awareness in the community. Catherine was recognized for her tireless advocacy of the state’s “paramount duty” to provide ample funding for education for all its children as well as for playing a key role in passing a law to require that all high school students receive instruction in civics. The requirement became effective for the high school graduating class of 2016.

Catherine was predeceased in 2015 by husband John, and is survived by two grown children. Liz Ahl is a poet and English professor in New Hampshire and Andrew Ahl works in marketing at a financial institution.

In lieu of flowers, please vote, advocate for increased access to voting, make sure everybody you know is registered to vote, insist on equitable access to quality public education, and support organizations, like the League of Women Voters, which promote vital civic engagement.