So very sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. She was my gym assistant in 8th grade gym.  She was always so nice, even back then.  Prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days to all who mourn her loss.

Dear Walt and Carol.  
We were so saddened to hear about your beloved sister Cathy’s death. W know how much you loved her. She had a unique set of skills that helped you, your family, patients, their families  and her students of almost 30 years. She will be greatly missed. 

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Frank and Jennifer Bucholtz

The journey it took for me to obtain my OT license was no easy feat. 

Dr. R invited me to her home and we sat down for hours going over practice questions for the board exam not once, not twice but on three separate occasions. She believed in me at a time when I did not. 

 In school, her exam questions were the toughest and most anxiety inducing (lol) but now that I’m a clinician, I can see that everything she did, she did out of love.

She had a fiery passion for our profession & teaching. I am lucky to have known her and a better OT for it.

My story with Cathy began in 1984, where Cathy was my first O.T. fieldwork student at Beaumont hospital. There isn't enough space here to recall all of the fun and shenanigans we were into in our younger days. We became best friends and Cathy quickly became part of our family. 
She was there as our babies grew, Robert and Chelsea, into children, then rebellious teens and now beautiful adults. They now have children of their own, Amelia, Alana and Ayden, and Aunt Cathy became an integral part of their lives as well.
She was a part of every holiday and  family celebration we have had for the past 40 years. We will be remembering her every time we hear a Mariah Carey Holiday song. When we are carving pumpkins and recall her really bad ones that she thought was hilarious. When Chelsea and the girls are biking and no longer have her home as their destination for a cool dip in her pool. When Bob has a new model GM car that he wants to share a ride with. Or when I have a quiet evening and cannot call her to catch up or share a cool drink with on her deck. We will miss her when we need to talk to someone that could cut through the bull shit with straight advise delivered with a calm and quiet voice - reach for our phones before we remember she is not with us any longer. She gave us the gift of no-questions asked support and unconditional love  
I am proud of the professional legacy she leaves behind, touching so many lives with her passion to instill critical thinking, compassion and empathy to her OT students.
There so many things that she shared with us-like how to choose a great family kitten; or how to keep your mad chewer dog happy without losing your furniture. 
She was my best friend and loving family member. As time passes, our broken hearts will be replaced with smiles as we remember all of our happy times and life lessons we shared together.
Cathy earned her angel wings 1,000 times over and are sure she will watch over us from above.  Cathy, you are forever loved

My colleague, my mentor, my dear friend. I am going to miss you so much.

Today begins the formal steps of saying goodbye to Cathy. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my colleague and friend. Words cannot express how much she meant to the Baker College OT Community. She will be truly missed.

I am so very sorry to hear of Cathys passing, my memories of her coming to watch all the basketball games Mike (coach Ro) coached as She was always so kind and always had a smile on her face. My condolences to the family,  prayers , hugs and love are being sent. Love Macie McCall

Like most of you I am in shock.  I was Cathy's administrative assistant at Baker Flint for 8 years.  She insisted on calling me Kimmy even though I hated that name but I tolerated it from her.  She put me in awkward circumstances as the "patient" so her students could practice what she was teaching them.  We had long talks in her office, plenty of laughs and some tears.  Cathy was the best and she will definitely be missed.  Thanks Cathy for being you - love you!

I am a neighbor of Cathy and will miss our small talks and friendly waves each day!  She came to my daughter’s graduation party last year and so kindly offered to give guidance and support for her to prepare for the months to come in college.  So thoughtful and always a kind face to see. You will truly be missed on this street but always remembered in our hearts.. 💕

Dr. Rozanski was one of my professors in college. I always enjoyed her classes and the extra support she gave me. I’m so sad to hear of her passing.

I’m pretty sure this was not faculty allowed, but Dr R was extremely excited with the idea of me bringing my beautiful Shepherd (Athena) to one of our final classes in undergrad, back in 2019 ❤️ A couple years later, Athena was lucky enough to be invited over to be watched by Cathy for a few days, in her home, while my wife and I were out of town. Cathy claims Athena behaved well. I still have questions… 🤣😁

Especially for those who connected with Dr/Cathy Rozanski…. There would be not enough words in the dictionary to express the multitude of intensity and energy, it was like to share space, and interact with her. The combination of being a hard, firm and demanding professor when she had to be (90% of the time), to your biggest cheerleader under the same setting was unsettling magical, and almost surreal, as you know how much you busted your butt to learn her content and “please” her.  Shop talk aside, for those who made friends with her outside of school, got to see and experience how abundant love and support she had to share; and I think that if you happened to love German shepherds/nature in general, AND happened to have a shepherd, I believe that would put you on her *favorite list* ❤️🥲

My wife and I (both got to be her students), had the privilege to get to become personal friends of Cathy, and share yearly summer afternoons at her backyard (or ours), a delicious meal that she was proud to make for us, and hours of catching up about all life topics. 

As many have said, Cathy earned her angel wings way too soon, and will leave an incomprehensible emptiness in our hearts. Losing her feels as though she was an immediate family member. 💔😔😭

The testimonials in her memory are living proof of the legacy she has left on this earth, and that shall never die.

Thank you for have being part of our lives. We love you, and deeply mourn your departure🖤🙏🏽🕊️

We always had a great time together! So greatful for every picture and video I have with you. My girls were so lucky to get to know you and have you in their lives.  Our angel ❤️

Your angel wings were earned too soon. I’m still in disbelief. My whole life you have been there. Our 5th family member.  Never missed a birthday celebration, holiday transition or party,  attended every one of my girls and my school events. You were our biggest cheerleader. If you weren’t there it just wasn’t right! I can’t imagine doing these things moving forward without you. Cathy was  the light of the party. Always knew how to have a good time and make everyone laugh. She was dependable and loyal. You were always there for me, guided me through some of the darkest times  and enjoyed the most beautiful times in my life. I will miss riding our bikes over for a pool dip to cool off with you. I’m so grateful we got to swim with you before you passed. I’m going to miss your big hugs and your cheek kisses. I am going to miss singing Mariah Cary Christmas carols in the car looking at Christmas lights. I’m going to miss your ridiculous pumpkin carvings or you making us guess our Christmas gifts. I’m going to miss having you right down the road or just being able to call and vent to you. You always made me feel secure and loved. The girls and I are so blessed to have had you in our lives for the time we did. I will cherish those memories forever. You will FOREVER be loved and missed. I know your flying high with those beautiful angel wings watching over us.  Love you forever!

I've been attempting to articulate what's going through my mind, this one is difficult. I'm at a loss for words. To say that Dr. R was a remarkable individual would be an understatement. She has frequently gone above and beyond to help me, both with school and just by listening to me complain about my personal life. Without Dr. R, I would not be where I am today.  Whether it was talking to her after class or having long conversations over the phone, Dr. R always understood how to put you at ease. Dr. R's has touched the hearts of so many students. Many people would say that she was their “favorite instructor”, I can proudly agree with that statement. The day that I heard of what happened I could not believe it. “There must be a mistake”, I called, no answer, then I sent a text hoping that she was in her pool…….if you are reading this you know what happened next. I know that Dr. R will be with me the day I take my test, she has so much confidence in me! “You can do this Ash, I know you have it in you. Look how far you have come”.
Dear Dr. R, 
I keep replaying the last conversation I had with you, the paper that you wrote the last time we were together, even though it is not a personal message to me I still feel the need to look at the paper. I THANK YOU for being there for me and thank you for making me into a great OT, now I just need to earn the “fun letters” behind my name. I have enjoyed having you in my life for the time that I did. I know that you will be with me in the testing center so tap on my shoulder 2 times for B and 1 for C. 

Love Ashley

Ms. Rozanski, Ahem..."DOCTOR Rozanski" (she was working on & earned her PhD when I was her student 2009-2012) you will never know how much you meant to me...to the world!!!
She LOVED what she did! You could feel it from the moment you met her. 
She was kind, ethical, fair, but no-nonsense, assertive and blunt, if needed.
She taught with a passion and love that was infectious.
And her humor!!! Sarcasted with the best of us 😉 
One of the BIGGEST animal lovers I knew ❤ 
When I was in the thick of it and struggling the most, this woman held so much space for me ❤ 
I would cry to her in her office and beg her to tell me that I could do this. 
I would listen as she gave the best advice she could. 
I would look to her for the bluntness/direction that I so needed at that time. 
On Halloween 2012, we left our home for the last time, after a long fight for it. 
In Early December, I received a letter from Cathy in the mail. Inside was a beautiful card with a heart-felt message and a $500 check from her!!!!!!!
What?!?!?! What kind of college professor does this? 
A kind, compassionate, empathetic and wonderful one, that's what kind!!!!
I would graduate in March of 2013 and would never see her again.
I went to Baker college (before it closed down) a few times to see her, but she was out of the office every time 😢 
No wonder you were on my mind BIG TIME last week.
No wonder I dug through papers to find the envelope the card came in with your address on it.
No wonder I looked all over the internet/social media to find you.
I was searching for all of the above because I wanted to find you and maybe do lunch/dinner. 
Tell you how my life ended up going. 
Tell you how much what you did mattered. 
How much you meant to me, professionally and personally.
Fly high, you Beautiful soul.
Thank you so much for sharing your path on this Earth with me!
Thank you so much for helping  to build the wise woman I am today  ❤ 
My condolences to her family, who meant so very much to her.

And we had been group chatting the very day she passed....planning another get together later in August

We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend Cathy Rosanski.  A professor in the Occupational Therapy Masters Degree program at Baker College, she was passionate about providing her students with education and experiences of the highest quality. Outside the classroom she mentored and counseled many students and provided support as needed. And on a personal level she was a great friend and colleague. She loved her family, friends, profession, her students and her animals. We will miss you beyond words.

We are so very sorry for your great loss. Mike and Karen please know you and your family are in our prayers  at this sad and difficult time. Dee & Jack Repp

Just the other week I deleted our last email chat from 2023 to clear out my google drive and just yesterday I thought of her main question to me “How’s your body holding up?” And tonight I learned that she’s gone. Thank you, Cathy (professor of OT) for the hard tests, the hard conversations that boosted my maturity (I still remember them and always will) & believing in me when I was unable to do that for myself! I will miss knowing she’s an email, phone call or lunch date away. She made her impact and was appreciated! 💗

Dear Val, Cathy loved you so much and you were the first person I thought of when I heard the terrible news. She loved her Shawnie and being a part of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you learn to live with another gigantic hole in your heart and life.  I will never forget her! ❤️ Melissa Heglin (from Baker College)

My heartfelt condolences to her friends and family! She was my favorite college teacher at Baker College and have so many memories with her! I aspired to be a neuro OT like her!! She has helped me be the OT I am today! I hope she is resting peacefully in heaven!

For Halloween we all dressed up as “Dr. R.” We put all of our favorite Dr. R quotes and sayings on our shirts.  She absolutely loved it! A lot of her sayings and insights still ring in my head as  I am studying for the NBCOT and as I was going through fieldwork. Dr. R has impacted so many students in many ways and the profession of OT is better because of her.

My heart breaks hearing this news. Dr. R was such a special, knowledge, kind and caring woman. She had such a passion for OT and truly shared it with her students. As one of her current masters students I heard extensively the impact she has made on past students and I am honored to have experienced the same impact. Often times in class she would gloat about her retirement approaching, laying out by the pool and, spending more time with her family and loved ones and playing with Lucy. She was loved by her students, nieces and nephews as well as family members and friends. She shared the most amazing stories with extensive knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my career as an OT. I will constantly hear her voice in the back of my head, “remember the OT process”, “WHY Hannah” and the constant encouragement that I always know more than I think I do. We shared intimate stories about care taking for our loved ones, and she offered me ample advice and support. I often looked forward to emailing her in 5 year when I become in her words “a real clinician” and updating her on all the things she was right about. Finishing my degree without Dr. R will be difficult, although I know she will be remembered and her spirit will live on through the lives she has touched. 
You will be missed deeply. 
With much love,
Hannah🩷

Cathy was my co-worker, supervisor, mentor ,and a friend while I worked with her at Royal Oak Beaumont's Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Unit in the late 80's and early nineties. She was a gifted therapist who inspired me with her superb patient handling and facilitation techniques. Cathy loved a challenge and always had hope where others saw little.  She was an expert at getting others to laugh and had a warm heart/ hugs when ever needed. It is so sad that she is gone but knowing her strong faith I am certain she is at rest with her loved ones now in a better place.  My prayers and sincere condolences to her brother, Val and Paula.

This literally breaks my heart. What a sweet, pure and genuine soul. Dr. R believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She taught me one of the most selfless things in life and that was to actually be selfish and to put myself FIRST for once. It’s literally because of her that I found the courage to be an OT. NDT is my passion and I just hope that I’m half as good as she was! I still hear her voice whenever I get in a pickle..BUT WHY Ashley?  She will forever be a great memory of mines!

Words cannot express the impact that Cathy had on the  education and careers of so many occupational therapists. She was a great educator, mentor, friend, and one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. She wholeheartedly seemed to love teaching and sharing her wealth of knowledge. As a student of hers many years ago, I aspired to be a therapist who could make an impact like she did. She went the extra mile for everyone and I’m so thankful to say I had the privilege of knowing her and working with her.

Cathy was one of the first instructors at Baker Flint OT program as it was beginning.  I was in the first class the guinea pigs for a program blooming. Cathy was fun, so knowledgeable and such an awesome instructor despite just beginning that role.  Boy did she rock it!  Her phrase that always stuck with me "Stability before Mobility". Well Dr Cathy you provided stability in the Occupational Therapy Program shaping therapists to gain Mobility in changing our clients life. Thank you. May your memory be Eternal with all the saints. I know it will be with those whom life you have touched.

I've been priviledged to share many journeys with Cathy over the past 30+ years. As an occupational therapist, she was my Level II fieldwork educator at Beaumont Hospital and significantly impacted the trajectory of my career. I could never have predicted at the time that our paths would cross later at Baker College, where she welcomed me to the OT team and continued to shape me as an educator. We then became co-learners, completing our doctorate degrees together at Chatham University. Through it all, and continuing into current day, we were friends who bonded over our faith, our love of neuro rehabilitation, our dogs, caring for early-widowed mothers, convertible sports cars, and most recently, pool chemistry. While I take comfort in knowing she now sits at the feet of Jesus, she will be missed. Thank you for being such an integral part of my career and life, Cathy.

I have no words that could express how much Dr. R will be missed. I spent countless hours sitting in front of her, learning and absorbing everything she had to give. She put so much into teaching each and everyday. I am so blessed for being able to learn from such a phenomenal educator and person. She made me laugh, made me cry, and above all helped me learn when I struggled the most. Cathy was by far the hardest but best teacher I have ever had in my life. She shaped me into the OT I am today. Through her, I have helped and mentored so many people and OTs that have followed. My heart goes out to family of this woman.  Thank you Dr. Rozanski for passing along the passion for occupational therapy.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing.  
Dr. Rozanski  was one of my favorite OT instructors at Baker College. I was lucky enough to be admitted to the very first graduating class of the Occupational Therapy program.  She made learning about transferring/positioning and wheelchairs interesting and fun!  Her exams were very difficult to say the least but challenged me.  I had to think of all options, including outside the box.  She also liked to call on people who didn’t have their hand raised - which made students uneasy but caused them to study more diligently. I will never forget her. Rest easy Dr. Rozanski!

Dr. R was a great teacher, but beyond that, a compassionate listener who gave others that skill. Her gift of humor was something that we bonded over. She was a person who cared so deeply about her students and the lives they were going to touch as clinicians. She quickly became a friend of mine and we shared so many laughs, even beyond my time in school. We kept in touch consistently and Dr. R always pushed me to be the best person I could be. The last time I talked to her was to tell her that I missed her and that will ring true for years to come. She impacted my life so positively and I’m so grateful to have known her as a mentor and a friend. 
Til we meet again, Cathy Ann
Love, Haley May

Cathy had a smile and a hug for everyone and a great sense of humor.  Cathy will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but when thinking of her it will  be with a fond memory and a smile.  Gone but she will never be forgotten.  RIP

OBITUARY

Cathy Ann Rozanski

February 11, 1961 – August 7, 2024

Elton Black & Son Funeral Home

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