Cathy Townsend

Whether she was lovingly caring for her husband, lavishing her two dogs with affection, or gardening in the warm sunshine, Cathy Townsend did them all with finesse and compassion, cherishing each day she was given. Cathy was a woman dedicated to her Christian faith, her life a constant reflection of the beliefs she held so dear. She brightened the lives of those around her simply be being who she was each and every day.

The 1950’s were a time of change within the media culture of our nation as the dawn of the decade ushered in the television as the dominant form of mass media with the portrayal of the ideal family, ideal schools, and ideal neighborhoods. Delisle and Ethel (Duniphan) Brunner of Kalamazoo, Michigan were preparing for their own exciting change as well; as Ethel was due to give birth to twins at any time. They were indeed blessed on July 19, 1950 with the healthy births of twin girls, Cathy and Connie. Together these girls were the only children in their family and their parents both worked for the paper mill in Parchment. Cathy developed a rather shy and quiet personality as a young girl, a trait that would stay with her for many years.

As a student, Cathy attended Plainwell High School where she was an honor student who focused on her studies, not getting involved in additional activities. Cathy graduated from high school in 1968 and then furthered her education at Western Michigan University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. A short time after her college career had ended; Cathy became employed for the State of Michigan in what is now known as Department of Human Services as a social worker in Cass County. In the early 1980’s, she transferred her position to the Kalamazoo County office where she continued to work for a total of 35 years.

A big change was in store for Cathy in the late 1980’s when she started dating a gentleman named Chuck Townsend whom she had previously known for some time. Chuck was attracted to Cathy because she was a Christian and because she put forth the time and effort to forge a friendship with him for as long as he needed. The couple fell deeply in love and was united in marriage on September 9, 1988. With this unity, Cathy gained not only a husband but three children from Chuck’s previous marriage as well. Cathy embraced these children as her own from the very beginning as she continually poured her love and affection into the lives of Brenda, Mike, and Deb. Her new family also gave Cathy reason to come out of her shell a bit more, focusing on the relationships she was blessed to be a part of.

There were some things that Cathy enjoyed that made her the unique individual that her friends and family knew and loved. Her faith was an important cornerstone in her life and she cherished her church home of Calvary Bible Church where she and Chuck were members. Cathy felt blessed with her seven grandchildren and treasured every moment that she had with them. Their birthdays were cause for celebration and Cathy always went above and beyond to make them feel cherished on their most important day. Cathy also adored her “little babies,” her dogs Andrew and Ben that were complete American mutts whom Cathy loved with all her heart. Cathy also loved gardening, gaining peace and tranquility within the intricate details of a flower and the feel of her hands in the fresh earth. Cathy always liked being in the know, not only being kept abreast of the events in the lives those she cared about, but also making sure that she made sure that others were privy to the knowledge she aware of as well.

Family was always an important component in Cathy’s life and in addition to the love and adoration she had for her husband, children and grandchildren, Cathy also had a special relationship with her nephews, Matthew and Jeremy Simpson. She viewed these special boys as an extension of the precious bond that she had with her twin sister, Connie. Cathy treasured each moment she was given with every family member that was placed in her life.

Cathy Townsend was an extraordinary woman who lived her life with vibrancy and zest, treasuring all those that were placed in her path. Cathy was a woman of strong faith who often set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others. She was a woman of great strength and compassion that spent her lifetime making treasured memories that will be forever etched on the hearts and lives of all those she leaves behind. Cathy was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who will be dearly missed.

Cathy Townsend, of Portage, died on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Cathy’s family includes her husband, Chuck; three children: Brenda (Melissa Forsythe) Townsend, of Texas; Mike (Colleen) Townsend, of FL; and Deb (Kirk) Townander, of IL; seven Grandchildren: Soren, Brandon, Grace, Kirsten, Olivia, Arwen, and Hannah. She is also survived by her twin sister: Connie (Mark) Simpson, of Hopkins; two very special nephews, Matthew Simpson of Jenison and Jeremy Simpson, of Portage; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents. Visit with Cathy’s family and friends on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Calvary Bible Church 855 S. Drake Rd. Please visit Cathy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Calvary Bible Church or U of M Pulmonary Hypertension Department.