Catherine Rose Laporte

Catherine was born into a loving French-Canadian farm family in Tecumseh, Ontario on February 23, 1922. Her father, Ludger Sylvestre, and mother, Annie Damm, raised all their children (Omer, Lucille Deschamps, Archille, Arlene Rhein, Louis, Marguerite Comartin, Leonard and Helen) in the Catholic faith. That faith continued to grow throughout her life.

She received her training to become a Registered Nurse at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor. She was a good and proud nurse who gravitated to and specialized in OB-GYN. Catherine's natural tendencies to care for others made her an excellent caretaker.

In 1944, Catherine married the love of her life, Rosaire. They remained a faithful couple until he passed away in 1990. They were blessed with three children--Anne Marie, Gerald and Eugene.

In 1948, Rosaire and Catherine moved their young family to Detroit. Eventually, she became an American citizen but never relinquished her fondness for Canada.

She was a very devoted and loving Mom who would do most anything for her kids -- including coaching softball, driving them anywhere, encouraging them in school, sending large "care packages" to their college dorm rooms, etc. She was very proud of her kids and right until her death would talk about them to anyone who would listen.

Her children blessed her with their spouses (Eugene with Laura and Anne Marie with Steve) and grandchildren (Tom, Julie, Teresa and Stephanie). She loved them all. She would spoil the grandkids like a good grandma should. She would share stories, sew them wonderful clothes, teach them cooking and crafts, and share her love endlessly.

Catherine was very active in the Catholic parishes where she was a member. At St. Raymond's in Detroit, she was the President of the Legion of Mary and very involved with the Choir Auxiliary. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart of the Hills in Rochester Hills, and brought Communion to many shut-ins. She was always ready to share her faith. Many people would seek her out for faith guidance.

Catherine was a wonderful seamstress and loved to crochet, knit and work on crafts. Playing cards was also a favorite pastime. This was one area where a spirit of competitiveness could suppress her natural sweetness. She also loved her "grand dogs" and in her later years especially doted on Pumpkin and Haylee.

Perhaps, most of all, Catherine enjoyed company. She loved when nieces, nephews, friends and others came to visit. She looked forward to receiving cards and telephone calls.

After 93 years of spreading Jesus' message of love to her family and friends, Catherine has been gently taken home to our Heavenly Father. We will miss her presence but will continue to be blessed with her Spirit.