Sweet woman raising grandchildren after her 3 kids died gets Secret Santa surprise in parking lot

#eastidahonews #secretsanta #christmas
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy helping a local Secret Santa give $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho this holiday season. Every day, from now until Christmas, we will post videos of the recipients being surprised with these life-changing gifts.
Cathy is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She has lost three children as her son died in a car wreck, her oldest daughter died in a motorcycle accident and her other daughter passed away from complications following a car accident.
Cathy has tried to always remain strong. She is a survivor of breast cancer and is raising her beautiful teen granddaughters. She is an absolutely amazing woman and well-known throughout the Salmon community - mostly for her years of working at Steele Memorial Clinic. She was the voice on the other end of the phone making appointments for people.
Cathy is stepped into the role of raising her granddaughters and loves them so much. She takes care of her husband, who has an eye disease, and often has to drive back and forth between Idaho Falls and Salmon for doctor's appointments.
Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves if we could visit Cathy with some early Christmas gifts. Watch the video above to see how we pulled off the surprise!
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[@TheRealDonLayton]

This woman is clearly the world's most prolific hugger. And very sweet too. I love that she was selected.

[@loveforeignaccents]

"World's most prolific hugger" made me chuckle. 😋

[@Patco11]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 Chill sir, it was just a gesture to give the ladies a night out. Despite your feelings, I thought a nice added touch.

[@shac0le]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 My guy you really feel the need to hate instead of being happy? You have a sad life and i hope you see the mistake you made by deleting this comment

[@Michael-mv3kc]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 so how does he want cheap publicity when nobody even knows who he is?

[@mel924]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 I imagine since she`s retired she doesn`t have a lot of money for extras. The girls will love a night out to relax & have fun!

[@Ms.Stephanie.C]

I can’t imagine losing 3 children & surviving breast cancer … not to mention raising grandchildren too. My heart goes out to Cathy, her husband & granddaughters. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ng3069]

Raising her grandchildren is probably what's getting her thur. I've been raising three for the last 17 years.

[@Ms.Stephanie.C]

@@ng3069 I don’t have any grandchildren, but I have lost a child. It’s the worst. I’m glad you enjoy your Grandchildren! 💕

[@thomashaugh8720]

The granny is a little sweetheart I’m glad you picked her

[@shellycassidy5473]

Enjoyed dear grandma and girls thanks secret 🎅

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@loveforeignaccents]

Not even four minutes in, and I am loving this precious lady!!! Sorry for the terrible losses of her children. Luckily she has some grandchildren who, although they lost their mom, probably brighten her days up and vice versa. Bless this lovely family!

[@emoliver80]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 what is wrong with you? Im not sure whether or not to take you seriously! You do realize that *Secret* Santa is a secret, and therefore there is no *publicity,* right? You arent the smartest if you think this is secret santa wanting "cheap publicity." Secret Santa gave them movie gift cards so they could enjoy a night out together... did you even listen, bc it was clearly stated why he gave those gift cards. Its not your money anyway, so fortunately you have no say so in how the man spends it.🙄 You spend your money how you like, and secret santa spends his the way he likes.

[@lisarodriguez2926]

​@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 What a scrooge. These were PERFECT GIFTS because if it wasn't for Secret Santa, THERE WOULD BE NO GIFTS GIVEN AT ALL.

[@rykersmimi]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 obviously you never learned that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all! Such a cold heart you have!

[@nancymiranda7523]

@@lisarodriguez2926 That is exactly what I was thinking Scrooge Bah Humbug! He doesn’t have to be so cruel!! Maybe he is jealous or unhappy with himself !!

[@nancymiranda7523]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 YOU ARE SO MEAN AND HEARTLESS, YOU MUST BE ONE MISERABLE PERSON TO LIVE WITH !!!

[@samsmith4561]

This woman has so much love in heart for how much she has went through. Thank you Secret Santa for blessing her.

[@davisholman8149]

My family is so southern - she has that accent that my granny had also.😍

[@AnatomyLab]

Have fun going out!

[@kawigreen3702]

This is what we picture the perfect grandma is in our heads !

[@oliviachetcuti225]

What a sweet, deserving lady! ❤

[@davids8048]

What a wonderful woman and beautiful granddaughters! We’ll done Nate and team.

[@donotrobme9295]

If Nate didn’t tell us her terrible fortune if losing her children and the blessing and hard work of raising her grandchildren you’d never know. She speaks and hugs like a lady who has it all. What an uplifter. Her joy is overflowing. She is so deserving. She’s driving an enormous vehicle, late for a doctor appointment, and her hair dresser asks her to run to the store for her so she does????? Her friend even went online and bought a be a secret Santa shirt too. Too fun! Sounds like the neighbor u go over to help and serve and left feeling like she did all the helping as u are brought up to her level of peace and joy. She was beating sicerely grateful for the movie ticket. Already hugging on Nate. Just absolutely love this lady and these girls are in perfect hands of real true optimism

[@rachelhillhouse5967]

I just love her. She is a true sweet southern soul. Her granddaughters are so blessed to have her raising them. Thank you Secret Santa❤

[@camerannC]

Such a beautiful lady.

[@murfdog19]

Most people would be broken to the point of no return after losing multiple children unexpectedly. You have no idea how strong this lady is.

[@beckysmith8151]

Accepted like a true Southern Lady. God bless them all.

[@realSerran]

Such a sweet lady. A real Southern grandma full of love (and hugs) for everybody. Thank you Secret Santa for blessing them this Christmas. Praise Jesus Christ, King Of All Creation

[@yesitislikethat]

Oh, I just *love* her spirit. This woman has an absolutely sweet, beautiful soul.

[@debraallen63]

It just shines through 😍💖

[@angelaegan7511]

What a charming lady.

[@klb2513]

Nothing better than a Southern grandma!! Grace, courage, friendliness, sass and chatty!. Those girls are doubly blessed to have her in their lives!! GRITS...Girls Raised In The South.

[@Doug791]

Not even from the US and I totally agree. We should all have a gran like this.🎅💜🎅

[@vernareed2692]

Probably good cook too!

[@shaindystern1038]

Amazing loving grandmother

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@sallyg3509]

What a precious mother and grandmother. So deserving as she gives all herself to her family

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@paulbklyn4742]

This grandma is an Angel. Please Lord look after this family. Thank you Secret Santa, Nate & the Crew.

[@floaretudorache9287]

Beautiful people

[@jamesrainey4704]

You had her at $100. 😅🥰 She’s the sweetest

[@krislong7818]

A southern belle indeed ❤

[@loveforeignaccents]

LOVED this one!! Beautiful heart she has. Thanks for treating her and her girls to a girls' night out -- at least a few of them -- and for the rest of the gifts, too, Secret Santa!!

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 Simply don't watch if it makes you so upset and judgmental. It's Secret Santa's money that he can spend however he deems fit. Now buzz off, Scrooge!

[@conniewaterman1673]

@@loveforeignaccents AMEN!

[@davidgoodrich1258]

What a awesome lady!

[@ONNpankaj]

Secret Santa Love you for precious work and Love from India 🇮🇳

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

The way this lady launched right in with a big hug was amazing. It's obvious she and her granddaughters will truly enjoy these gifts. Love her southern drawl, she talks like me! Thank you, Secret Santa, for spreading the joy at Christmas. You really know how to bring on the smiles. Thanks to you too Nate and helper elves. Locating all of these people is quite a job and you do it so well. Merry Christmas from Texas everyone! 🎅🎄🎀🎁⛄

[@ms.cellaneous7458]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 You are a very bitter, sad, and most likely selfish person. You come in the comments most every day griping, complaining, and speading your misery. You act like it's your money being spent on these people. IT'S NOT! Why don't you try being nice? Consider being supportive or even considerate. It must be horrible to be you. I wouldn't know because I would never attack the kindness and generosity of the person that is Secret Santa or Nate and those who help bring joy to these people. While you mull that over, please consider improving you writing skills because you are lousy at it. Merry Christmas sad little thing that you are.

[@sammic974]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 Because, Mr Grinch, Secret Santa wants them to have some dedicated fun after all the tragedy they've had.

[@lottasunshine1325]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 If Secret Santa wanted "some cheap publicity" he would not be giving these generous gifts anonymously! No one knows who he is. $5,000 in gas money is a lot, however. I think that money would have been better spent on the girls for their education. However, all of those gifts are blessings.

[@nancyellen8006]

@@sufianmrpleasesufiyankhan1099 Better stop watching these “feel good” videos before you end up with high blood pressure. It’s not your responsibility to worry and then get angry about how Secret Santa spends his money. If this woman has a little fun taking her granddaughters and husband to the movies and dinner, who are you to offer your negative opinion about it?! It’s none of our business how someone else spends their money, or are you just jealous that you don’t live in Idaho Falls?

[@m_r---123]

Troll alert!!!

[@jan_phd]

I love tight families. Love each other!

[@kathymclaughlin3327]

So sweet

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@D4rkX5h4d0]

We luvin E Idaho all over the world cause of this secret Santa. God bless. ❤️

[@mobetta3456]

She is so cute. I am SO sorry to hear she lost her 3 children !!! This lady has really had her heart broken. What a joy to see her get all these gifts from Secret Santa.

[@miket.4374]

She’s definitely a sweetheart of a woman. I can’t help but wonder how her husband is doing…he also lost his children and now his eyesight’s bad. Sending him love as well.

[@darlenejones-nelson813]

God Bless this Grandma and Grandpa for taking care of these kids! GOD BLESS YOU SECRET SANTA!

[@angiemansfield9381]

That immediate hug when she just got the girls night out cards ❤️❤️❤️….the simplest things sometimes mean the most. She is the sweetest!!!! I know she is such a good grandma to those pretty young ladies!! Yay for Santa!!!!!!

[@SuperAsianDude1]

another awesome video by the East Idaho News.

[@aishling2083]

Fantastic personality this woman has

[@thereds1959]

What a wonderful lady this woman is, ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@paulwhite2533]

very nice lady

[@jojomart]

She is way too adorable!! Such a lovely lady with a huge heart.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@rhondalemley4898]

Oh my What a wonderful lady Bless this family Thank you Secret Santa

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@nadinefrandsen6087]

What a precious lady💗

[@joeythebrit7155]

Omg Nates little excited squeal when he realised the friend was wearing the secret santa merch! 🥰

[@kelly5822]

It couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. So happy for her and her grand daughters.

[@johnbacon1854]

What a sweet sweet Lady.................. all those hugs... rumour has it it takes an hour to leave her home when you visit with all the hugging...... which is awesome :-)

[@dcstk100]

As soon as she started talking I started feeling homesick. Quintessential southern grandma 🥰

[@klb2513]

Same!!

[@heidim6885]

OMG Cathy, you are a star!! Hugs just after the first box with the movie voucher. I love that you are looking after your grandchildren. I also love your accent!! Love from the UK xx

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@pamthompson3812]

My goodness. I will never complain about my life again. God, give this family strength each and every day

[@Pegasos4]

*Heyo...Watch this from Greece 🇬🇷 Merry Christmas @ All 🎄*

[@sbeal4035]

A true southern belle hugs and threatens youngins with a whippin' in the same breath. Love it.

[@regina805]

Wow, those are some very Beneficial Gifts. For a Beautiful, Kind and Deserving Woman, with Sweet Grandchildren. I Love these Heartwarming Secret 🎄 Santa Videos.

[@loveforeignaccents]

I had to watch it again; she is just too cute!!

[@cathymcoe4021]

Nate, I absolutely love how you interact with recipients of Secret Santa's generosity. It's as though you've known them all your life. Love the video and all the videos. Take care and stay safe ❤️

[@beckysheehy1148]

Nate is perfect for delivering these very special surprises. And a big shout out to Secret Santa who is beyond special and wonderful and all good things!!

[@grondhero]

True charity and goodness are when you give never expecting to receive anything in return. This lady seems well deserving of such a gift and that she's probably already paid it forward. God bless her and her family.

[@elliesouza717]

She sounds like the type who is always blessing others

[@nicolepapole]

What a kind woman, you can tell she is just someone who lights up a whole room! I'm so glad she's got this little pick me up and s reminder of just how loves she and her granddaughters are.

[@believingtoday]

This is a woman who loves life, one who has been through so much heartache but finds joy in each moment and day. Love all the hugs she gives!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@yvonnemurray5537]

Who out there in the world would not want this woman as their mother, grandmother or friend. I want one of her hugs! Beautiful moment in a parking lot, for sure. Thank yo😮u once again Secret Santa and to the whole crew that delivers these much deserved Christmas gifts ❣️

[@heidiavera5071]

What a beautiful lady🥰 so much fun 🤩

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@susangordon1833]

This is so amazing.. I can't imagine losing three children and raising your grandchildren and surviving cancer..this was a blessing for her..

[@susanclow5384]

What nice gifts for that wonderful woman who seems so sweet and giving and likes to hug.

[@emrsdca]

I need to know Cathy-I need her in my life what a doll she is! Merry Christmas!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Right?!! 💯. Would love to know her and have her closeby. Beautiful soul.

[@CountessBecca]

What a beautiful and lovely family.

[@timbow50]

It’s great to see someone that is so thankful. So many don’t even have the courtesy to say thank you to the Santa. I don’t understand people like that. And then there’s the ones that the gifts are actually life changing and they are in shock.

[@decimusclaudius8967]

Keep up the good work Nate!

[@nicklager1666]

That is just a lovely accent/dialect on the grandmother. I hope they will have some lasting memories of these gifts.

[@Sobolady89]

People in Georgia have a very southern accent, but people in Florida don't. I live 55 miles south of Georgia, in Florida, and always thought that was odd.

[@debraallen63]

@@Sobolady89 People in Florida don't have an accent as much because most aren't from Florida at all. I thought it strange when I was in Florida but I only met one person that's was a Floridian.....the rest were from Philadelphia, New York and places up north. Strange indeed.

[@Sobolady89]

@@debraallen63 I worked with a lot of native Floridians and none had an accent, but my co-workers from Georgia did.

[@debraallen63]

@@Sobolady89 We visited there (Ocala area and South all the way to the Gulf) for over two months and every place we visited had workers from other States or Countries and maybe one Floridian. We would always ask if they were from Florida just to see if there was any "points of interest" we might want to see or do. Some knew, some didn't. We do that everywhere we travel across the US and Florida has less Floridians compared to many other States. Just sharing what we've experienced while there.

[@Sobolady89]

@@debraallen63 I live in Jacksonville and there are a lot of native Floridians that live here. People don't want to live in Jacksonville, but I love it here. I worked for CSX and when Seaboard and Chessie Systems merged, the Chessie headquarters was relocated to Jax. I'm retired and have been here 33 years.

[@ohsuzanna3223]

Thank you Secret Santa! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ God bless this precious grandmother for taking care of those children. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dollyperry3020]

Thank you Secret Santa!

[@tpenquin.]

What a beautiful woman!! She is incredible, I love you secret Santa, keep up the good work!!

[@george8873]

This is one of the best reactions so far. Could tell how grateful she is by Secret Santa's generosity.

[@ktps1527]

What an amazing recipient. Sometimes you watch people you think, “she would be the most amazing friend to have in your life.” And this wonderful person seems like that friend I’ll we’ve all been waiting to meet. With all the tragedy they’ve faced I hope they have a fun girls night out and make memories to last a lifetime.

[@nannybluebelle8643]

Well done Secret Santa 🎅…What a lovely lady with her granddaughters they deserve such a surprise…and more . Nate and crew you do a wonderful job . Love to Everyone here from little old me in the UK xx

[@ericholck3914]

After all the horrible things she's been through, she still seems to have a positive attitude and great sense of humor. She's setting a great example for the kids she's raising.

[@MichElle-zc9tu]

Thank you for reaching out to a grandmother so dear. Children, never forget your parents and grandparents, never, for 1 day you will receive your just reward from God who is watching from above. Joyeux Christmas and a peaceful 20023 to them and all mankind and the kind and generous men who help so many families as you will receive your rewards too.

[@50sRockChick]

Aww how lovely and what a wonderful accent she has.

[@jacquicoder7160]

That was wonderful! I did not expect that sweet Southern accent in Idaho. I'm from Texas and I just love to hear Southerners talk. I hope that dear grandmother and her granddaughters have an unforgettable Christmas that will help to ease the sorrow of their loss.

[@susanf4857]

Same here! Also in Texas and I was surprised by her accent. Love it! ❤️

[@annemacleod1421]

Cathy, thanks for letting me have a wee cry here in New Zealand celebrating your love and kindness…and standing by your granddaughters to see them into adulthood. That is the most special gift you can ever give. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿❤️❤️NZ

[@susanxyz5730]

I love this grandma so much. She gave her girls the present. She is a serious gem and thank you so much Secret Santa!! 🎉❤🎉

[@bonnieketterman6542]

What a wonderful.blessing with a happy ending to it I always enjoy watching these happy holidays stories these are a blessing

[@RJSAMCRO]

Secret Santa is bringing Joy Peace and Happiness to those in East Idaho while Nate and the Crew bring that same Joy, Happiness, and Peace to all of us around the country. These videos are the best presents we your fans get each year. God Bless You All.

[@mariasant7810]

Secret Santa is bring joy and happiness to the whole 🌎 ❤️

[@Jenifer_G]

Watch every year from Australia, great, thank you for what you do.

[@Partyboyest82]

Aww so deserving, she is the sweetest lady

[@tobyrose6906]

What a lovely. Lady. . ..Genuine , Says Thankyou. That means Thankyou...Best Wishes to All...

[@deborahross9974]

Boy howdy, I was wondering if there were any updated Secret Santas because I love to watch them even though it's January. Thank you. Happy trails to you all. God bless.

[@bevnelson5785]

I'm so sorry for all of your losses 🙏🙏❤️❤️🙏

[@bevnelson5785]

Amen to secret Santa 🙏❤️👍🙏

[@ls-kk4pq]

I’m so selfish, I don’t want these videos to end! Secret Santa you are the best!

[@kiruridandis7359]

This is heart warming Wish the whole world would do the same and give special people like her love in our communities. Watching from KENYA.

[@apoliticallevi]

How early am I? It’s two am, I’ll watch and comment in a few hours when I’m more conscience lol night everyone!!

[@rosemariemckinley7326]

Nothing compares to losing a child. I have lost 3. I'm raising my only grand child. She's a Hero. She deserves this. Much love

[@lonamarteniz3872]

So sorry for your loss. My prayers for you.

[@debraallen63]

God bless and comfort you 🙌🙏💕

[@rosemariemckinley7326]

Thank you for your kindness.

[@susanf4857]

She is so cute! ❤️ Hope they have a great girls night out!!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@jan_phd]

Sweetest Grandma.

[@beadbird]

This lady was born to be a wonderful Grandma, just like Secret Santa was born to be a perfect Secret Santa! Crying my heart out here! Merry Christmas y'all!

[@judys5638]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ all these secret Santa surprises. Thank you so much, Merry Christmas.

[@pbsjones]

As soon as she was told she'd be getting a gift, you could see in her face she was thinking, "Oh, no, I don't need anything." Because everything she does is for others. What a sweetheart.

[@debfox]

I love this woman! 🥰 She’s been through so much yet she was so grateful!

[@brettmanus7904]

@Debbie Fox NTM how positive and bubbly she was!

[@michellejames5953]

Such Southern charm❤ I can’t even imagine losing 2 kids tragically and trying to parent your grandkids at an older age. God Bless them and Secret Santa!!!!

[@mattinmalaga]

Omg, my heart bleeds for this family, losing one child is soul destroying but losing three must be unimaginable, the cruelist things happen to the loveliest of people, thank heaven they have this wonderful grandma and thank you Secret Santa for giving some Christmas joy to someone so deserving 🙏🏻🎅🎄

[@chrissylong5637]

She seems like a fun grandma! So sweet! For so much tragic she really does have a high spirit!! ✌️🤟🤙⭐👍

[@user-pt1le6cc8c]

Such a wonderful lady so well deserved,God bless them ,the crew and secret Santa ❤

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@crismalichi]

AWWW NANA IS SO SO SO SWEET!!! GOD BLESS HER SOUTHERN SOUL!!! SUCH A STRONG AND LOVING WOMAN!!! BLESS SECRET SANTA AND ALL HIS GOODNESS💛

[@KICKstartchange]

These videos really fill me with holiday joy ♡