Cathy Ann Czubak

Cathy Ann Czubak, 61, of Traverse City and Suttons Bay, joined the heavenly angels as God gently reached out his arms to receive her into his Kingdom on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Cathy was born July 16, 1958, the daughter of Louis and Pauline (Nelson) Czubak in Michigan City, Indiana. Born with Down Syndrome, Cathy never let that stop her from living life to the fullest. Cathy resided at various group homes as her health and needs changed, under the watchful and caring eyes of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health staff members, Maggie and Bill. She was a resident at Brick Ways, West Shore group home, and most recently at Fort Road group home in Suttons Bay. Cathy always established herself as the "Queen Bee" on the first day of her arrival in each location, making her presence known to one and all. She was friendly, well-liked and had many friends. It was common for many people to stop and talk to her or call out her name as she shopped in stores or attended concerts. She was very polite and introduced her companions to whomever she met. It was the consensus she knew more people than the rest of her family combined. She was everyone's "Princess". Cathy worked at Grand Traverse Industries and Traverse Field doing light manufacturing jobs, cleaning projects, and miscellaneous other tasks. Her life interests revolved around crocheting, country music, coloring, notebook paper, and activity books. She wasn't happy unless her huge tote bags were filled to the brim with various colors of yarn, colored pencils and pens, and workbooks. Cathy was warm and loving, but once she was made aware of her individual rights she could be quite vocal if she thought they were violated. She could be as manipulative as she was sweet, and loved loose coins even if they weren't hers. She had many "Cathyisms" that were adopted by family and caregivers. Some favorites were "No Way Not"; Can't Do That; You're Fired; I Love You Much; I Do It Myself; Your Choice; It's A Joke, Mary; I Happy Now; and in an illness she advised "Hot Tea and Chicken Noodle Soup". Survivors include her father and stepmother, Louis and Mary Czubak; brothers Dan (Rebecca) of Morton, IL and Larry (Lori) of Traverse City, stepbrother Steven (Kathi) Clous, and stepsisters Therese Clous and Ann Fitch of Traverse City; nieces Ashley (James) Diemer and their child Zeke of Morton, IL; Victoria and Elizabeth Czubak; Ashley Edge; Courtney (Joe) Baker; Kimberly Clous; nephews Alexander (Janelle) Czubak of Chicago, IL; Paul Nash; Michael Edge; Allen Prause; special aunt, Deanna Snider; cousins Stephanie (Rob) Ross and their children Gabriel and Connor of Valparaiso, IN; William Bomar of Chase, MI; extended family members and many friends. Cathy was predeceased by her mother, Pauline; an aunt Doris Strouse; and cousins Sheila Strouse Bomar and Ricky Strouse, as well as her grandmothers Anna Jackson and Violet Barnes. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all Cathy's caregivers at the Fort Road group home who provided unconditional care and love to Cathy during her years at that residence, even stopping in to check on her on their days off. We thank Matt and Kellie; Jordan, Joyce, Jessica, Lindsey, Amanda, Sarah, Kay, Andrea, Esmeralda, Jackie, Taryn, Suzy, Deb, and Krystle. We also offer a special Thank You to hospice nurses, Leah and Amy, for going the extra mile for Cathy. If we have missed anyone, we apologize. Cathy had a way of wiggling into your heart and will be deeply missed. Cathy's brother and co-guardian, Larry, was her "Go-To Person" for everything and he lovingly coordinated all aspects of her life. Cathy worshipped him and the family greatly appreciates his unselfish devotion to her. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Cathy's life will be held on October 12, 2019 at the Traverse City Elks Club, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Casual dress is acceptable. Burial will be at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy are welcome to send a flower or make a donation to their favorite charity in Cathy's memory. Kindly share your thoughts and memories with Cathy's family at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com