Catherine Thieneman

March 13th, 1947 - September 22nd, 2023

Catherine's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Catherine here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

It is difficult to summarize my long friendship with Cathy. It started at the beginning of nursing school and just kept going and getting better. During those years, I also was priveledged to get to know Mike, Maria, Sarah, Martha, and Teresa and some of their children. Early on, I also had some association with the “Miller Brothers.” To all of you, I know your heart is broken with this major loss in your family, but, just keep repeating those good memories to each other.

Patricia Handley Swanson

September 27th, 2023 at 3:49pm

The Sendor Family shares our deepest sympathies with the Thieneman family. We remember Cathy as one of the most generous and hospitable people, full of warmth and enthusiasm for life. The kids fondly remember a few Lion King Soundtrack sing-alongs on rides, with Cathy behind the wheel leading the chorus! She will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with her wonderful family at this time, and may Cathy rest in eternal peace.

The Sendors

September 27th, 2023 at 1:25pm

Dear Mike and family, Mike and I are so sorry on the loss of your Cathy. Her capacity to love and forgive and her unstinting generosity and kindness as well as her joy cannot be surpassed. She was truly a one of a kind person. We met when Cathy and Mike moved back to the states and we both walked in a 3 k walk in St Joe, both nursing bad knees at the end of the pack. We had fun even though coming in about about last! We spent many years happily keeping Mike T and sometimes Cathy company on his sailboats . We have many fun stories - I remember the time we were motoring down the East River in NY and we were swamped by an oncoming boat racing by! Not only did the water spray through the open ports , but both of us were drenched! Cathy took it in stride, we washed all the linens at our next stop and carried on!
Sending love to all of you, Kathy and Mike Webster

Kathy and Mike Webster

September 26th, 2023 at 4:05pm

Hugs! She gave the very best hugs! They started over 40 years ago and even my reserved husband knew to expect a hug. The memories are so many, but all bring a smile. We solved all of our parenting problems over coffee at the bus stop, the vacation on Torch Lake where she convinced others to share fish fry left overs since we didn't catch any, the skunk under the cabin, the "attack swans" and Mike's first sailboat.
She touched all of our lives, our sons who wished for spontaneous school skip days and our grandkids who will treasure Christmases at the Hill House. Her legacy lives on in Mike and her wonderful daughters and their families she was blessed with.
But it is still the hugs that I will miss the most.
She was a shining light to all who knew her. Rest is peace, dear friend.

Ruth Edlefson

September 26th, 2023 at 10:18am

Our hearts were so very saddened to hear of Cathy's passing, yet we know she is now in a much better place that we all strive for as Christians. Her passing will certainly leave a large void in many areas of daily life because of her love and compassion for all God's children. Simply meeting Cathy put a 'sparkle' in your day, no matter the circumstance. We were truly blessed with her friendship and love. She'll be deeply missed, but the story of her life will live on through many of us for years to come. May your memories bring peace and comfort during this difficult time~

Julie & Alan Smiy

September 25th, 2023 at 7:23am

We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Cathy. Our ties with her and Mike and the girls go back to when we moved to St. Joe in 1982. Cathy provided us such a warm welcome and deep friendship. She was such a unique, funny, caring and loving friend. She always had a smile and a kind word. She loved to have fun. She always had a hug. It's difficult to sum up in few words just how special she was. After moving to Tennessee 23 years ago, distance was a factor in our everyday friendship. We may have drifted apart due to geography, but the memories of her will never leave us. Our deepest condolences to Mike, the children and grandchildren, siblings, other relatives and the many friends who are mourning her loss. She will be so missed.

Peggy and Joel Motel

September 24th, 2023 at 7:07pm

JOY

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” -Nehemiah 8:10

Joy is not necessarily happiness. Happiness is dependent on circumstances; joy is not. Happiness is fleeting; joy is constant. Happiness disappears when trials come; joy grows through troubles. Good times bring happiness and laughter; difficulties bring sorrow and grief, but joy resides beneath.

Joy is not an emotion that can be fabricated or faked. It is a deep-seated sense that all things are well because God is in charge. Joy is expressed in praise, song, laughter, a peaceful countenance, a light in the eyes, or a serenity that belies any adversity. It is the substance of the soul that holds us together as we trust in God, who does all things well. Jesus wants our joy to be full.
-From Be Still and Know That I Am God

When I think of Cathy, I think of JOY. Pure joy.

Blessings of peace to all of you. You were blessed to have her joy everyday.

Sheila Mayne

September 23rd, 2023 at 8:27pm

My heart grieves for the loss from this earth of our dear Cathy. From my earliest memory, I have known Cathy. Our parents, Vince & Gussie Miller and my parents, Dick and Pearl Drickey, became close friends even before Cathy and I were born. We grew up, doing lots of things with our families, including some holidays. All of these events were in Evansville, IN and then St. Joseph. I thank God for the joy of knowing Cathy all these years. What a warm, compassionate, funny , spiritual and loving human being. My love and deepest sympathy to Mike, Maria, Sarah, Martha and Tersa and ALL of Cathy's family. Sent with love and hugs. Joanie