Catherine Roxane Hill, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, was born October 7, 1939 in Washington D.C. Her parents were Isaac William Hill, Jr., assistant managing editor at the "Evening Star" in Washington D.C., and Catherine Dawson Hill. She attended Mount Holyoke College from 1957-1961 where she majored in philosophy. She was a sales clerk, model, and editor and worked for the Dairy and Food Industry Supply Association. She edited newsletters both professionally and as a volunteer. In 1980 she won San Fransisco KSFO radio's song writing contest with "BART, BART You're Breaking My Heart" during a strike. She later became a community volunteer. In 1962 she married Martin Christian Hughes with whom she had two chidren.