Catherine was of true Scottish stock, the daughter of parents who immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Cecil and Jessica (Fogg) Sandy. Catherine graduated from Shrewsbury high school and received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Clark University. Catherine worked for Morgan Construction in Worcester before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. She proudly served during WWII and was stationed in Fort Myers, VA. 

After being honorably discharged, she and her husband, Clifton Nickerson, bought a home in West Boylston where they raised three sons. She taught fourth grade at the now Houghton Elementary School in Sterling. Catherine was often recognized by her former pupils as a positive role model. She taught of compassion and understanding to her classes in the age of civil rights.

She was known to many for being a talented artist and an avid painter, fashioning beautiful sceneries of Cape Cod, still-life flowers, landscapes from her trips to India and Europe with Clifton, and countless other creations. Catherine also co-authored the book, Spag: An American Business Legend (2000) with Elsa B. Tivnan. For many years, Catherine was an active member of the West Boylston Senior Center. She loved music and dancing, and she defined the quality of her experiences based on how much everyone laughed and smiled. Catherine was a lifelong meditator with a deep and abiding faith. Her attentive care for family and friends, and her championing of civil and women’s rights were an integral part of her service to others.