Catherine ‘Kaye’ M. McLenithan

Kaye was born on January 28, 1933 in Suttons Bay, Michigan; the daughter of Martin and Helen (Kolarik) Korson.

Kaye’s parents were second generation Czech immigrants who raised their children “on the farm”, as Gram would say, in Lake Leelanau in Lower Michigan. With nine sisters and three brothers, Kaye was the middle child of 13. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and was later employed as a telephone operator with four of her sisters at Michigan Bell in Traverse City. Catherine met “Jack” while he was attending Western Michigan University and forever became his Darling Cat on October 12, 1957. Their daughter and oldest son, Val and John III, were born in Kalamazoo. After moving to the U.P. in 1962, John & Kaye had 3 more boys, Mark, Tom & Scott. Kaye returned to work for Michigan Bell in Upper Michigan, volunteered at church, was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and active in the Rapid River Booster Club while her boys were in sports. She loved to snuggle babies, made the best pie and could cook any critter Jack brought home. In retirement, Kaye and Jack enjoyed their road trips together and sang in the choir at St. Charles church in Rapid River.

Catherine is survived by her siblings, Philip Korson, Emma Gallagher, Helen Galla, Magdalen Gavin, Martin Korson, Sylvester Tom Korson and Ann Korson; daughter, Valerie Kobasic and sons John III, Mark, Tom and Scott McLenithan. Kaye and Jack had 15 grandkids. Although Great Grandpa only got to meet one, Great-Grama Mac got to love 10 great-grandbabies. She spent her last few years reading stories, fixing stuffies and sneaking snacks before dinner daily with Bailey Catherine and Korson Allan. Grama Mac was always ready for the next grandbaby, perfecting a crocheted blanket well in advance. She raised a family of warriors, teaching every one of us to never give up or give in – what love, forgiveness, family and faith mean, right up until the very end.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Helen Korson; husband, John McLenithan II; sisters, Julia Rieger, Philomena Korson, Dorothy Bramer, Lucille Younglas as well as (her sister and best friend) Bernadine Gallagher.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 4, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Catherine will begin at 3 p.m. at St. Charles of Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon and birthday cake to follow mass in the parish hall. To offer online condolences, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the McLenithan family.