Catherine "Cathie" Naru's Obituary
Catherine Naru, 'Cathie' to all who knew her, longtime resident of Edmore, Michigan, peacefully completed her 70-year journey on this earth on February 12, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her family and friends. A woman of strong faith, Cathie firmly believed in the promise of another life after the earthly one. With hope and peace in her heart, she looked forward to the day she would be reunited with her beloved parents. Through her love, kindness, and generous spirit, Cathie succeeded in her mission to leave the world a better place, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals in ways that will be remembered forever.
Cathie was born on February 7, 1955, at Smith Memorial Hospital in Alma, Michigan. The oldest of four children, Cathie attended Second Street Elementary School in Edmore; McBride Middle School; Blanchard Jr. High; and Montabella High School, graduating as a proud member of the Class of 1973. While at Montabella, Cathie was a member of the highly acclaimed symphonic and marching bands, where she played the flute.
After high school, Cathie attended Northern Michigan University and Montcalm Community College where she earned a Nursing degree. Nursing was the perfect profession for Cathie; her kind heart, compassion, and ability to connect with everyone she met made her a nurturing caregiver and cherished friend to all.
Cathie's thirty-year nursing career began at the former Tri-County Community Hospital in Edmore. After moving to Tucson, Arizona, Cathie worked for twenty years at a methadone clinic, helping those less fortunate than herself navigate the challenges of addiction with compassion, dignity and respect. When she retired, Cathie moved back to Michigan to enjoy time with her lifelong friends.
Cathie inherited many of her late mother Marguerite's talents, traits, and passions. Most notably, both shared an extraordinary ability to see the world through an artistic lens. Like her mother, Cathie was a gifted painter and craftsperson, and her artwork has graced the walls of countless homes over the years. She often used her talents to decorate special events for friends and family, as well as her church for the holidays. Both women loved birds and flowers, with Cathie's favourite being pink roses. Additionally, they were both avid readers and shared a fondness for Arthurian legends, medieval literature, and mythology.
A kind and giving person, Cathie never hesitated to share what little she had with others who were less fortunate, be it a meal, a few dollars, or an empathetic ear. Among Cathie's greatest qualities was her ability to accept, support and love people for who they were - no matter their background or beliefs. Cathie was also a fighter; fiercely independent, resilient, and determined to live life on her own terms; always staying true to herself.
Cathie had a unique ability to make friends wherever life took her, but she never forgot to nurture her existing friendships - some dating as far back as pre-grammar school. A natural conversationalist, she enjoyed meeting new people and visiting with friends and family. She also took great pleasure in entertaining and always added her personal touch to the decorations, making every get-together feel special.
Cathie cherished her family and took great pride in sharing their accomplishments with others. She had a fabulous memory and a special gift for recalling people, places, and moments with great clarity. Cathie enjoyed traveling to New York to visit family and loved the sights and sounds of the city, including Broadway musicals and the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. These experiences were ones she could recall and revisit time and again, sharing them with her friends in vivid detail.
A lover of animals, Cathie adored the pets in her life and even named them after some of her favourite TV stars. Her Tabby cat, Xena, was named after Xena: Warrior Princess, and her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Maks, was a tribute to Maksim Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars.
Cathie was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Edmore, the Edmore Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Phoenix, Arizona Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She was a former member of the Edmore Women's Club and a former board member of the Nita Curtis Foundation.
Cathie is survived by her brothers Steve (Barbara) and James (Patricia), nephew Ryan, and nieces Lauren, Stephanie, Amelia, Julia, Jessie, and Marina. Also surviving are an aunt on her mother's side, Patricia, and an uncle on her father's side, Gilbert (Anne). She was pre-deceased by her father Robert, mother Marguerite, and sister Mary.
Cathie's family wishes to acknowledge the team at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma for the exceptional comfort and care they provided during her final days. They also extend their gratitude to Cathie's dear friend, Jane Anderson Beach, for her unwavering love and support, as well as to Tom and Linda Dobbrastine, Karl Kluwe, Scot Donley, and Pastor Lem and Colleen Granada Jr. for their comforting visits.
A celebration of Cathie's life will take place later this year in her hometown of Edmore.
In memory of Cathie, donations can be made to either the Faith United Methodist Church of Edmore (833 S 1st St, Edmore, MI 48829) or Montcalm County Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 368, Stanton, MI 48888).
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