Gladstone, MIMary Jean Katarincic, 86 of Gladstone, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Bishop Noa Home.
She was born April 21, 1930 in Escanaba and was the daughter of Alphonse & Martha (Brassick) DeMenter.
She attended All Saints School in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School in 1948. In high school, she was proud of being a baton twirler for GHS.
The former, Mary Jean DeMenter married the love of her life, Emil (Mirko) Katarincic on December 29, 1951. They were married 47 years, until he passed in 1998. She took care of him during his struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
They built their home on Montana Avenue in Gladstone next to Mike & Scottie LaPine. Where the neighbors were family and the door was always open.
Mary Jean was employed for 22 years with Gladstone Schools as a teacher’s aide/Title I aide at the Buckeye & Cameron Schools. She loved her job and was known as “Mrs. Kat” to many.
She looked forward to attending sporting events of her children/grandchildren. She liked
to swim, sail, travel (Belgium, Medjugorje, China & Florida) shop and cheer on the Packers with her husband. She was known to spend hours putting together puzzles. She had a large circle of friends.
Mary Jean was an active member of All Saints Church and enjoyed working at the Harvest Dinners and on the funeral committee for many years. She was a volunteer for Reading Buddies & St. Vincent DePaul. She belonged to the Gladstone Yacht Club, Gladstone Child’s Welfare & Michigan Retired Teachers.
She was well cared for by Sunny Shores Assisted Living in Gladstone and recently Bishop Noa Home. At Bishop Noa, she was able to attend daily mass with the nuns. She never forgot her prayers or her rosary.
Mary Jean is survived by
2 daughters; Gina (Guy) Potvin of Zeeland MI, and Ann (Terry Ahola of Gladstone.
Grandchildren; Jami Katarincic, Chad Katarincic, Jon (Krista) Potvin Eric (Nicole) Potvin, Nik Ahola & Hans Ahola.
She was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren. Two very special people in her life, Tis LaPine & Joan Richer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Mark, sister Blondina (Bunny) and brother in law Francis Roy & brother Pete & sister in law Veryl DeMenter and niece Lauri Katarincic.
Visitation will be at the Skradski Funeral home in Gladstone on Friday, October 14 at 3:00 – 5:15. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at All Saints Church at 5:30, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to All Saints Church or Bishop Noa Memory Center. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Phil and Sheila Cormier - Marion, IA
Beautiful lady. Ann, you had a wonderful role model. God BLess her. The Cormier Family
Karisti
Ann and family – I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Kari
Beth and Eric Knudsen
Dear Ann and family,We were so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a kind lady and we enjoyed our visits with her. I am sure you have many great memories to keep in your hearts! Our thoughts are with you .
Andy Wiltzius
Dear Ann and Family, So sorry for your loss, a fine, fine lady. I will always remember how nice she was, and so welcoming and easy to talk to.
Annette Katarincic
Mary Jean was a wonderful sister-in-law and friend.She always made me and others welcome. She will be sorely missed.
Cheryl Stanek
Dear Gina and family,I worked with your Mom at Cameron School for numerous years.
We had such a fun time. She was “Sunshine” everyday! Always smiling, and never complaining about the cold recess duties in her famous fur coat. Mary Jean counseled hundreds of kids, in her gentle manner, and will be in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.