"Mike, Carson, and Gretta- I am truly saddened by your loss. Cathy was a remarkable person and all of you have maintained an inspiring level of strength, compassion, and dignity throughout the past several years. I hope you are finding peace in your grief and comfort among those close to you. Much love, Tom"
In loving memory of
CATHERINE (CATHY) DONCKERS
September 12, 1956 - April 25, 2009
Catherine Donckers, 52, of 3084 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette, died quietly at home in the company of her children and husband Saturday evening, April 25, 2009.
Cathy was born on September 12, 1956 in Marquette, a daughter of Fred and Emma (Stupar) Donckers. She was a 1974 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and a 1978 graduate of Kalamazoo College with degrees in French and Psychology. She later received a Master's degree in Child Development in 1981 from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California.
Cathy was formerly employed at Pleasant Valley Outdoor Education enter in Woodstock, Illinois and for the State of Texas in their Wilderness Challenge Program. She also worked a short time in a photo finishing lab in Eugene, Oregon. Cathy enjoyed artistic pursuits and was an accomplished photographer, showing her work in the PhotoZone in Eugene.
Cathy along with her husband and two children returned to Marquette in September of 2003, moving here from Eugene, Oregon. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Stoolmiller, whom she married on August 19, 1989 in Delton, Michigan; two children, Carson Stoolmiller and Gretta Donckers, both at home; her father, Fred (Nancy) Donckers of Marquette; a sister, Jill Wayland of Marquette; also several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Emma Donckers; a brother, Kevin Donckers and sister, Ann Louise Donckers who both died in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. Cathy's family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Cathy's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855
Tributes
"Dear Mike, Carson, & Gretta, We are saddened to hear that Cathy died and are sorry for your loss. We remember Cathys gentle spirit from the Morning Rose days when Carson and Madeline were little. Sharing stories and exchanging smiles at pick up time, parent evenings, and festival days. Later there were the magical days after Gretta was born waiting for her to be named. And Cathys craft booths at the Holiday Market and OSLC where the whole family would help (Maddi still has her flannel horse pillow). We are thinking of your family. All the best, Joann, Will, Maddi, & Emma"
"It was a joy to know Cathy. She was easy to laughter and open towards all. We enjoyed knowing her as a young mother with Carson and Gretta. Our condolences go out to all her loved ones."
"Dear Mike, Carson, and Gretta: Thank you for receiving me and Anni to come and work in your home in March; it is so recently since we had lunch together with Cathy. I am so glad I got to meet her; her kindness and uniqueness showed so strongly even though things were clearly so difficult for her. My thoughts are with you. Kind regards, Harald"
"Oh, Mike, My heart is with you, Carson, and Gretta... completely. Words fail. I just pray for blessings of every sort, especially for comfort, for you all, at this time. And I wish I could hug you. Holding you in the light, I am... Beautiful Cathy. Oh dear. Much Love, Mary"
"Jill, Mike and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always have very fond memories of a wonderful Thanksgiving in California,(just a mere 27 years or so ago!) even Mike singing the Teddy Bear Picnic song! Cathy was such a wonderful person. She will be missed by so many. May Cathy's soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
"Sorry that I was late getting the word via the K network, Mike. You and your family are in our prayers, and we'll seek to honor Cathy's memory this week during our regular activities at the local Saint Vincent de Paul by helping an extra family. May you find peace in this time of sadness, ---dean knuth, kalamazoo"
"Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear about Cathy. I have a nice memory of coming over to your house when you lived in East Eugene to play some music and talk about Michigan-based folk singers. I was in grad school and I think you'd just finished. Carson was a baby. You, Cathy, & I hung out and played music and it was a great connection and memorable evening for me. We are all thinking of you and your family out here in Eugene. Please know that you have a strong base out here among your friends and colleagues. Phil Fisher and family"
"Hi Mike, we are very saddened to hear about Cathy and wish you well during this process. Cathy's creative clothes were a favorite of our first born and then on to the second. Both Cathy's artictic talents and yours are greatly missed at OSLC, To all my relations, Peace and love to your family, Dave, Jacque, Aidan, and Brennan DeGarmo."
"Dear Mike, Mark Eddy let me know of your wife's unexpected and sudden passing last week. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My Dad passed away suddenly in 2003 of heart disease and it was very hard on our whole family. My best wishes and hopes go out to you and your children. Words fall so short at these times. Know that your friends in Eugene are thinking of you. - Molloy"
"Mike, Dave DeGarmo just told me about Cathy's death. I'm sorry for the heartache and loss that you're experiencing. I hope you'll find peace and strength as this year progresses day by day. I'm sending a hug to you. -Jon"
"Dear Mike, Our thoughts are with you during the difficult days ahead. Dan & Rose Rabine"
"Mike, Carson, and Greta Our most sincere condolences for your loss. Cathy was such a loving and caring woman. I still remember our conversations when we would pick the kids up from Drinking Gourd. They were always about the kids. Every December Cathy would proudly show me the beautiful calendar she had made with pictures of Carson and Greta in the different seasons. She was such an accomplished artist. Mike,Carson and Greta, our hearts and minds are with you in these difficult times."
"Dear Fred,and Nancy,We are so saddened by the news of your daughter's death. Know that we are thinking of you with all the love and compassion in our hearts. Kathy was too young. Bless her for a safe journy to her heavenly home. Sincerely, Bob and Monica Neldberg"
"Dear Mike, Greta, Carson and family- Sending you lots of love in your time of sadness. We remember with great fondness the days of Ian and Carson playdates with Cathy being the ever patient, ever kind and always compassionate mom. Our thoughts are with you. John and Ian Anderson Carrie Jackson"
"Mike, Carson and Gretta, I'm so sorry. I have so many warm and welcoming memories of Cathy. We all shared so many wonderful meals together while you were in Eugene and we were in Washington State. She made the best pie crust, and inspired me to start baking my own bread. I cherish the handmade napkins she made for us. Thank goodness for the Wilderness Challenge Program in Texas, or we would have never met. The world is an emptier place without her. Love and peace to you all."
"Dear Mike: Rick and I were very sorry to hear about Cathy. Our thoughts are with you and your children in this difficult time. We wish you the best."
"Mike, Mark Eddy passed along this sad news. My thoughts are with you and your family. Yours, Rick"
"Mike -- I am so sorry. We are thinking about you and the children."
"Mike, I pray for a safe and peaceful journey for Cathy, you, Carson, and Gretta."
"Mike, I was grieved to hear about your loss. You have done so much for all your family and you will have people there to comfort you. I wish I could be there but instead I will go to the Japanese garden and meditate about the fragility of life. Tom Wills"
"To the family...I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a loss shared by everyone that ever knew Cathy. I went to school with Cathy all the way thru St.Peters and Marquette Senior High. Our little group from St. Pete's was close...looked out for each other. Tho years spead us apart we will always remember. Peace Cathy."
"Dear Mike, My condolances and prayers for you and your children. I haven't seen anyone from K in 31 years so I'll remember Cathy as the kind and gentle 22 yr old. Peace, Mary Wolf"
"I remember Cathy as a warm and welcoming person. She was so gentle and loving. She has finished her journey and has gone home to God. One day we will see her again. My prayers are with you, Mike, Carson, and Greta."
"Mike, My heart goes out to you and your children in this time of loss. Charlie"
"Dear Michael, Carson, Gretta, Fred and Jill, We convey our deepest sympathy and regrets for your loss. We will always remember Cathy for her love of the outdoors. Sorry we could not be there in Marquette during this difficult time. Best wishes for peace during your time of mourning. Love, Joey, Heather and Caleb Stupar Cousins in Florida"
"I remember Cathy for her sweet, gentle smile and demeanor. She was intelligent but not brashly. She was fresh and innocent, but not naive. When she wore a sunny long loose dress, it made me think of log cabins and pine trees. I would have given twenty dollars to the first person (perhaps outside her family) who could produce a video of her frowning. Her light, simple laugh-giggle was more pleasant than 10 people splitting a seam. I miss you, Cathy. Keep a few chairs warm for us up there."
"Dear Gretta & Carson, My husband and I wish our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother. May God watch over and care for you, dad, & grandpa at this difficult time. All our love and prayers today and always. Love, Mrs. "K" & Family"
"Dearest Cathy-- My heart is flooded with memories. From the day we became friends, over forty years ago, to today, you have had a special place in my life. You and Jan and I have been as much like sisters as any three friends could be and I will always be grateful for the richness you brought to the years we had together. Even in grief, I can smile when I think of the times that we spent having fun, sharing our thoughts, and building a bond that will last forever. Your gentleness, humor, kindness and wisdom live on in Carson and Gretta. You and Mike have been wonderful parents to two such special people and I know that your love for them brought you peace and joy. To Mike, Carson, Gretta . . . to the entire family, please know that Jim, Jack, Lily and I grieve for your loss. We will always be here for you, and we will keep you and Cathy in our hearts for all time."
"Mike, Greta and Carson you are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful soul Cathy had and I am sure it will live on in you."
"I want to offer our condolences to her family, who have just lost a treasured mother and wife. Lets keep them in our prayers."
"Dear Mike It has been awhile since we hiked in MI at Michigan by Land and Sea, but I will always have such wonderful memories. Our thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time. Barb (Kurth) and Jim Clayton and family"
"I have too many memories of Cathy to ever be able to squeeze them into this small space. She was as close to family as she could be without actually being related. I know that the thing that she loved the most was her family. Carson, Gretta, you were her life. She loved you fiercely. You are her legacy and I know that she could not be more proud of that fact. Fred, Nancy, Jill, Mike, Carson and Gretta please know that we share your pain, and we love you. Jack, Jan, Jay and Anne Archer"