Catherine Josephine "Cathy" Weighner of Grand Rapids, MI, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Catherine held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
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
Services
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Visitation: 2-4PM & 6-8PM
Rosary: 7:30PM
O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home
Friday, May 8, 2026
Visitation: 9AM
Mass of Chrisitan Burial: 10AM
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery
In honor of the family, O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Catherine Josephine Weighner.
