Catherine Cossin

She was one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She had a great love and talent for music. And her family was the most important part of her life. This wonderful woman, Catherine Natalie Cossin, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 94. She is survived by her daughters, son, and their spouses; Cathie and Jerry Howard, Michele and Jeffrey Grose, Claire and David Merrill, and Richard and Perri Cossin, along with 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Catherine grew up near Houseman Field in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated in 1948 from Central High School where she graced the halls of the classic four-story brick schoolhouse with her friendly personality, modest demeanor, and physical beauty. It is no surprise Catherine was voted the most popular girl in her class, selected to be lead actress in the senior play, and was the girls’ ping pong champion. 

Catherine's kindness could be seen—and felt—every day, in the quiet and friendly way she treated others; family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, clerks, workers, and the people who delivered her mail. She gave the gift of kindness to her children who grew up with empathy and a habit of helping others. Catherine loved to listen to all types of music, attend concerts, and encouraged others to have music in their lives. She played the piano with great skill and shared this passion with others by teaching lessons, performing recitals, playing at family gatherings, and volunteering to be the pianist at school and community events. While she suffered from cognitive decline during her later years, she continued to play the piano by memory up until a few weeks before she passed away. 

For Catherine, family always came first. She loved and nurtured her children. She encouraged them to grow and mature, then stood by with a smile as they moved on to the adult chapters of their lives. She cherished her grandchildren, and every month displayed a photograph of a different grandchild on her nightstand. She lived with and took care of her mother for 22 years until her mother passed away at the age of 100 in Catherine’s home.

There is deep sorrow in the hearts of Catherine's family. But they will always have a smile on their face when they remember her. Catherine’s friends and family are invited to celebrate Catherine’s life at a memorial service on Saturday, September 28 at 11:00 AM at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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