On Friday, May 1, 2026, after suffering a sudden stroke, Catherine Josephine Weighner entered into eternal life. She was surrounded by her husband and children and died in the peace of Christ’s promises.
Cathy was the fifth of ten children and grew up in San Gabriel, CA. The lively sense of humor, readiness to serve, and creative imagination for which she was well-known blossomed from childhood. Being raised in an intergenerational household, Cathy learned early on how to care for and befriend people at all stages of life.
She went on to study Education at Loyola Marymount University and moved to Grand Rapids in 1981, where she became a thorough Midwestern transplant. She fell in love with the seasons, with Lake Michigan (her “slice of heaven”), and most importantly, with her beloved husband Phil, with whom she happily raised four children: Kevin, Sr. M. Rose Thomas (Natalie), Margaret, and Caitlin. Cathy put her expertise as a teacher to work by homeschooling her kids, who received from her a lifelong passion for learning.
Generosity was at the heart of Cathy’s personality. She was known for her extraordinary talents as a hostess and gift-giver. Even ordinary occasions were graced by colorful napkins, fresh dahlias from her garden, and delicious food; the presents she gave were often the result of extensive sleuthing, observation, and attentiveness in conversation. All of this was simply the outward expression of Cathy’s desire to show each person they are loved extravagantly and known intimately by our good God.
This same spirit animated Cathy’s vocation as a mother, which was her great joy. She fully gave herself not only to the nurturing and encouragement of her own children but also of many others: her extended family, her kids’ friends and communities, and all she met. She followed the struggles and accomplishments of others with genuine compassion and interest. Using her trusty index cards as reminders, she faithfully interceded for countless souls over the years.
Cathy’s affectionate service towards others rested on the bedrock of faith and prayer. An honest disposition toward her weaknesses and faults allowed her to continually seek the Lord’s grace and to detect his work in her life. She strove, above all, to view things in “the scheme of eternity” and to surrender herself to divine providence. The Mass, Adoration, and confession were her strength and consolation, and she and Phil relished the extra time they were able to spend together in prayer following his retirement.
Her family wish to thank the community for their great outpouring of support, and to ask for continued prayers for the repose of Cathy’s soul and the healing of those she leaves behind.
Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Catherine Willey, and by her elder siblings Teresa Scott and Gerard Willey. She is survived by her husband and children, seven siblings, and many nieces and nephews (and grand-nieces and nephews).
The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8th, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (935 Plymouth St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the church. Additional visitation hours will be held on Thursday, May 7th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Gerst Funeral Home (3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546), with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to HELP Pregnancy Aid or to Assure Women’s Center of Cedar Springs, MI.
“But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” – Luke 8:15
9 Responses
Dearest Cathy,
You are missed already in our frequent texts. My tears are overflowing but I know that you are happy in the precious arms of Jesus now. I keep your beautiful smile in my thoughts. My prayers go out to your family. May God comfort them as only He can. Until we meet again.
Love you, Charlene
Such a lovely lady. She added much to all lives she touched
Cathy was an inspiration. Truly a living Saint. Always thinking of Jesus, and wanting to do her very best for Him, by loving and serving others. She was an always concerned, loving, and thoughtful friend to me. She always generously offered her prayers for my, and others concerns. She so VALUED her Catholic faith! She lived her life with a holy mission for God, that she lived out! Dear Cathy, you will be truly missed! We thank you for your LIFE and love! – Eileen 💞
May the road rise to meet you Cathy, may the wind be always at your back, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. What a beautiful lady you were Cathy. There is another angle around the throne tonight. Thinking of all the family at this time. Sorry we can’t be with you at this sad time. Love Marion, Padraig, Fiona, Brian and Lisa. Ireland. ☘️ Rainbows End.
My heart aches for Cathy’s family and all of her special friends. She will truly be missed by our IHM parish family. All who knew her felt blessed. We pray for her soul and we now ask her in return to pray for us also, as we continue to walk our life journeys. May we continue praising and thanking God for his love and mercy until we too join her in His heavenly kingdom.
I am so fortunate that, through friendship with Cait, I had the privilege of getting to know Cathy’s unforgettable heart. Her nurturing energy touched both her children and their wider community of friends, this I know well. I will really miss her. My deepest condolences to the Weighner family.
May her memory be eternal! Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of Thy handmaiden Cathy, and preserve her in that life of blessedness which is with Thee, O Thou that lovest mankind.
(I know with all my heart that He will!)
What a sweet, faithful woman she was. We will pray for her and her family.
Praying for you all, Cathy was a true gift from God.
God blessed the world with
Cathy’s smile and gentle spirit.
She lives on.