Catherine Jane Shrier

On July 8, 2024, Catherine passed away peacefully of natural causes. Catherine was visited and comforted by many family members at Burcham Hills Retirement Community in East Lansing, Michigan. She was 94 years old.

Catherine was born in Saginaw, Michigan on May 9, 1930, and was the oldest of four children of Christopher and Antonetta Bommarito. Catherine attended Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated in 1948. Catherine and Jim Shrier were married on February 3, 1951, and remained married for nearly 65 years, until Jim passed in 2015. Catherine and Jim had four children from 1952 to 1963 (Jan, Jim Jr, Karen, and Kevin).

Beginning in 1964, Catherine began her pursuit of a college degree at Michigan State University. It was no easy feat beginning college at age 34 while raising four children. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 and went on to obtain her Master of Arts degree from MSU in 1976. Education was a huge part of Catherine’s life, and she went on teach courses at the Junior High, High School, and College level. Her last teaching position was at Lansing Community College where she taught courses in Child Communications.

Catherine enjoyed reading and writing. She authored a short story during her stay at Burcham Hills Retirement Community that was published by a senior living association. The book was titled, “The Ups and Downs of Living in a Nursing Home.” There were many funny quotes throughout the book which highlighted her quirky sense of humor.

Catherine was a wonderful mother and devoted wife. Her grandchildren (6), great grandchildren (5), and nieces and nephews (7) adored her.

Catherine is survived by her four children, Jan Hines, Jim (Christine) Shrier, Karen (Steve) Maidlow, and Kevin (Renee) Shrier; grandchildren, Andy Maidlow, Chris (Beth) Hines, Matt Maidlow, Clara Shrier, Sam Shrier, and Henry Shrier; great-grandchildren, Mikayla Maidlow, Natalie Maidlow, Dakota Maidlow, Stella Hines, and Brady Hines; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held from 12:00 pm to 2 pm on Saturday September 7, 2024, in the Red Cedar Room at the Kellogg Center on Michigan State University’s campus – 219 S. Harrison Road East Lansing, MI.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.