Catherine Ann Nichols

Catherine A. Nichols, age 45 of Shelby Township, died Tuesday, August 16, 2011 in Warren. She was born November 17, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Stella (nee: Belunas) Demeniuk. On April 8, 1995, Catherine was married to the love of her life, Terry. Together, the two were blessed to share 16 years of growing more in love, building a home, and raising two beautiful sons, Terry Ryan and Austin Hunter. Catherine's earlier employment years were centered in the retail industry. First as a clerk with the K-Mart Corporation, then in the accounts payable department with Wal Mart. More recently, she worked in the billing department for the insurance giant, Blue Cross Blue Shield. Though that was the work she got paid to do, Catherine's life was noted for the non gratis efforts she shared from her heart as well. Being very active as a volunteer for the Wiley Elementary School, she was one of the familiar faces amongst the "Lunch Mom" cadre, and also quite involved in many of the school's parties and events that were hosted for the students. Catherine's giving spirit was also realized in her role as a Den Mother for her son, Austin's cub scout troop. On those precious occasions when she had time at home, Catherine found great enjoyment and fulfillment in her love of gardening. In the backyard, it was all about the vegetable garden that she nurtured with the heart of a farm girl. In the front of the house, it was her flower beds that she poured countless hours of tender-loving-care into making it a beautiful display for friends and neighbors alike. She took much pride in her gardening efforts, and both were merely an extension of the beautiful lady within. Inside the house, Catherine definitely knew her way around the kitchen and excelled in both her cooking and baking prowess. Most notably, it was her infamous Christmas Cookies that stole the show. She poured all of her holiday spirit into their creation, and was quite generous in passing them out to her family and friends. It was a tradition she will be remembered for always. Plain & simple, the character trait Catherine emanated the most was that of "caring." Always thinking of others first, she gave with a heart of compassion,...even when her own strength was at a minimum. She was always there to lend a hand when needed and would help anybody as best she could. A life gone far too soon, she leaves behind a storehouse of treasured moments and memories to all those who were blessed to know her. She touched countless hearts along life's way, a testament to this precious "caregiver" who loved beyond expression. She will be immensely missed and eternally remembered. Catherine is survived by her husband, Terry; her children, Terry Ryan and Austin Hunter; her siblings, Bob (Barbara) Demeniuk, Don (the late Roberta) Demeniuk, Jim (Nancy) Demeniuk, Connie (Ken) Fournier, Leonard (Maryann) Demeniuk, Linda (Robert) Lebioda, Gregory (the late Marcia) Demeniuk, John (Sue) Demeniuk, Rita (John) Grimes, Jan (Tom) Byrnes, Joe (Sherry) Demeniuk, Theresa (John) Sample, Patricia (Robert) Egesburg, Larry (Ann) Demeniuk, Susan (Jeff) Boris, Diane (the late Randy) Fica, Michael (Carolyn) Demeniuk, David (Jill) Demeniuk, and Lisa (Jim) Mohn; 67 nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members and friends. Visitation for Catherine will be held on Thursday from 3-9pm, with a 7:30pm scripture service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 Mile Road). Catherine will lie in state at 9:30 am at St. Anne Catholic Church in Warren until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Please share memories of Catherine at her guest book.