Catherine Nimitz Lay and Admiral Nimitz Foundation Collection

Catherine Nimitz Lay (February 22, 1914 – January 14, 2015) was born at a naval hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Being the eldest daughter of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Catherine lived and traveled to various places growing up such as California, Hawaii, and Shanghai. At age 16, Lay attended the University of California at Berkeley and graduated in 1934. When World War II broke out, Lay was living with her sister, Nancy Nimitz, and would send telegrams to Admiral Nimitz. During the war, Lay volunteered with the Navy Relief Society, where she gave speeches to promote war efforts on the home front.

In March 1945, Catherine Nimitz Lay married her husband, Captain James Lay, who served on the USS Augusta with her father. Together, they had three boys and lived at various naval bases during Captain Lay’s naval career. Eventually, Lay and her family moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where she worked as a librarian. In 1972, Lay became a sponsor for the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and christened the ship in Norfolk, Virginia. Following the historical dedication of the Nimitz Hotel, in Fredericksburg, Texas, Lay worked closely with the museum to establish a collection for her father, Admiral Nimitz.