Catherine Bernice Kailing's Obituary
Big Rapids Catherine Bernice Kailing, 85, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Altercare of Big Rapids, surrounded by her loving children. She was born February 11, 1923 in Rapid River (Delta County), MI, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Francis) Christoff, and graduated as salutatorian from Rapid River High School in 1941. Catherine attended Ferris Institute for 1 year and Western Michigan University for 3 years, graduating in 1945. She taught schools in Pickford, Hermansville, Big Rapids, and Morley, and retired from White Cloud Elementary School. Catherine was a life long member of St. Marys Catholic church,serving in the PCCW, Alter Society, teaching CCD classes, and serving in other numerous positions. She was also a volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Gray Lady, and formerly served as a Girl Scout leader. Catherine enjoyed flowers, songbirds, singing, playing the piano, cooking and baking. She welcomed anyone into her home, offering her famous chocolate chip cookies, homemade cinnamon rolls, or delicious chocolate fudge. In 1951, she married Carl Kailing, who preceded her in death in 1996. A devoted wife and mother, she is survived by her five children; David, Gus (Brenda), Pete (Johanna) and Aggie of Big Rapids and Herbert of Woodland, MI; 8 grandchildren; Susanna, Gemma, Lewis, Corina, and Alison Kailing, and Sarah, Joshua, and Caleb Newlin; 1 brother; Arthur (Alice) Christoff of Santa Maria, CA; 1 sister, Geneva Cretons of Green Bay, WI; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Catherine was also preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters; Hortense Haglund, Irene Christoff, Thelma Closs and 4 brothers; Antone, Lloyd, Leo and Norman Christoff. The Funeral Mass for Catherine will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Father Dan DePew and Father Lam T. Le con-celebrating. Spring burial will be at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Catherines family will greet friends on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and from 6-8 p.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church, where the Vigil Service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for either St. Marys Church or School, with envelopes available at the church or funeral home.
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