Catherine Hunter

Hunter, Catherine (April 2, 1929 – July 10, 2022) Catherine Hunter, age 93, died peacefully on July 10, 2022 with her daughters by her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gordon and first-born daughter Heidi. In the days prior she was very much looking forward to ‘going home’. She knew she would be welcomed into their open arms and loving hearts. We are comforted knowing that her parents were there to greet her, too. Catherine was born in Hudson, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine. Having lost both her parents when she was 15, she was forever strong, resilient, independent, and resourceful. Her nursing education and career, and her married life, led her through New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and on to Michigan, where she and Gordon steadfastly and lovingly raised their family and flourished in their home life and careers. After Gordon’s death, she lived independently, then moved in with Cindy, Rick, Matt, and Molly in Michigan. More recently, she lived in Florida with Judy and Jim, Stevie, and C.J. She stayed in touch with her Michigan friends and made a lot of new friends in Florida over the past 4 ½ years, friends who were welcoming, loving, and fun. She lived a full and productive life as a nurse, wife, mom, colleague, caregiver, animal lover, and friend to so many people. She gave more than she received, every single day. Our family is grateful to everyone who touched her life. “Good nurses are born, not made.” Catherine was the embodiment of this. She took care of thousands of people throughout her life, and the love was returned by many in her final years, months, weeks, and days. Catherine is survived by daughters Cindy Hunter (Rick Nieman) and Judy Hunter (Jim Faulk), granddaughters Stevie Faulk, C.J. Faulk, and Molly Nieman, and grandson Matthew Nieman. She’s also survived by her beloved son-in-law Tom Pavek and our ‘sister’ in Japan, Masako Tachibana Nouso. She loved her entire extended family fully and unconditionally. Look for those lucky pennies on the ground. If it’s heads up, pick it up and keep it, knowing a little bit of Cathey found you in that moment. If it’s tails up, flip it over so the next person can find her. And be sure to stop and smell the roses – that’s her favorite flower. At her request, we will not have a funeral or memorial service for Catherine. A private family gathering to honor her life will be held soon. Please share a memory of Catherine on her tribute wall.