Cathy Morrison

Cathy Morrison was a genuine, loving, devoted lady that enjoyed the comforts of a simple and honest lifestyle. She was perfectly happy spending time with her loved ones and didn’t need thousands of flashy distractions in her life. Her true home was wherever her family was; Cathy cherished them with all her heart, caring for them in times of need and celebrating with them in times of joy. Always thinking of others before herself, Cathy was both blessed by and a blessing to those she knew and loved.

The year 1947 marked a time of great change for America, as it did throughout the world. With the end of World War II, thousands of young soldiers returned home to start their families and the Baby Boom was quickly underway. Martin “Al” Hildabridle and his wife, Melba (Williamson), of Lansing, Michigan were among the many expecting parents, and on November 1, 1947, they delighted in welcoming the birth of their beautiful daughter, Cathy. The oldest of six children, Cathy loved her younger siblings, Sandra, Susan, Butch, David and Jack. She helped her mom take care of them while her father was away working as a truck driver. For fun, Cathy liked to play football with her brothers in the street, and played softball every Sunday. She often accompanied her grandparents when they traveled, and although she didn’t much like swimming, she still loved to spend time at Woodruff Lake.

Cathy was shy and quiet as a young girl, but hardworking from her earliest moments. She excelled in her studies at school and always had some kind of job to go to, like her job at Walter French Jr. High School. After graduating with the class of 1965 from Everett High School, Cathy went to work for the Treasury Department for a while before taking a job with the State Police. It was during this time that Cathy attended a young adult dance in Lansing, where she first met Dennis Morrison. She didn’t really think much of Dennis at the time, but later when she was on a double date with her sister and Dennis, her sister told him he was a better fit for Cathy. This was fine with Dennis because he had his eye on Cathy from the start and with that, their love story had begun. The two dated for about six months before becoming engaged, and were happily married in the First Congregational Church in St. Johns on August 17, 1968.

After saying “I do,” the newlyweds lived on various farms in St. Johns, Corunna and Essex Township. Soon, Cathy and Dennis were the proud parents of five wonderful children: Ann, Jon, Michael, Robert. Cathy continued to work until her children arrived, and then she left her job to devote herself to the role of a mother. Family was always her first priority, and she took an active role in every phase of her children’s lives. Cathy exemplified all that a mother should be – she was patient, caring and generous with her time. She treated her children fairly, yet different because she felt they were all “individuals.” Although Cathy thought at times she didn’t show “enough” affection on her children, they had no doubt they were loved unconditionally. The successes in their lives are a great testimony to her parenting.

When her children grew older, Cathy went to work at Michigan State University, where she spent 27 years. She took great pride in her job and loved everyone she worked with. Cathy especially enjoyed the time she was able to spend with the students, extending them her help and kindness along the way. Cathy had such a giving heart and purposely looked for ways to give to others. She could never understand people who were so materialistic, yet she never criticized or judged. However, Cathy always told things like it was, never mincing her words.

Outside of work, Cathy had many hobbies and interests to keep her busy. She loved to do crossword puzzles, read romance novels and cut out coupons for her next shopping trip. For her listening pleasure, she loved music by Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty. Cathy took great pride in her appearance and got her hair done regularly, taking extreme care not to mess it either. One place you didn’t want to meet Cathy was out on the roads – she was known to be quite an aggressive driver!

Cathy dearly loved her family, friends and her career at MSU. Her years of dedication and work afforded her both a happy place in life, and a family that loved her dearly.

Cathy Morrison of St. Johns, MI passed away on Friday, February 17, 2012, at the age of 64. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter, Ann (Ron) Shattuck; sons, Jon (Sara), Michael and Robert Morrison; grandchildren, Samantha, Layne, Mallory and Callie. Cathy is also survived by her siblings, Sandra (Tony) Tupper, Martin “Butch” (Jeanne) Hildabridle and David (Rosemary) Hildabridle. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Lee Roy; grandmother, Elsie Williamson; sister, Susan Hensley, and brother, Jack Hildabridle.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, at Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Pastor Kenneth Bremer will be officiating, and burial will follow at South Bingham Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, February 20, and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605, or to a charity of her family’s choice. To learn more about Cathy and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/78150. Arrangements by the Osgood Funeral Homes, St. Johns.