Catherine Anne Purchis

Age 77, of Lansing, MI, passed away March 15, 2013.  She was born on May 4, 1935, in Mt. Pleasant, MI, to Gerald and Mary Lou (Lipka) Eddy.

Catherine was a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School in 1953. She then attended MSU and graduated in June 1957 with a BA in Education. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She taught 2nd grade 1957-8. For 25+ years she was a Sparrow Service Auxiliary (gift shop volunteer) and was part of their “Friday Group.” Catherine loved spending time with her family and friends and enjoyed Bridge, ceramics, toll painting, sewing, reading, gardening, and hosting family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Homer Edwin Purchis, Jr.; children, Susan (Kenneth) Silvernail and Sandra (Mark) McKenzie; grandchildren, Jerilyn (Josh) Moyses, Jacilyn Smith, Benjamin and Eric Silvernail; and sister, Susan Kelly.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, with the Rev. Anne Weirich officiating. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 22nd.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association, Great Lakes Chapter or First Presbyterian Church of Lansing.

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6 Messages to “Catherine Anne Purchis

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Jackie (Odom) and Gary Salisbury
March 16, 2013 at 12:03 pm

Ed, Susie and Sandy – we share in your grief. Momma just adored Kay, and I am sure they are together now, chuckling and watching over us. We loved her so much. Jackie and Gary, and Dave Odom

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Donna Foster
March 17, 2013 at 12:21 pm

My heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of your dear wife, mother, and grandmother. I just lost my beloved husband February 4, so I and my family know what you are going through. May God be with all of you at this difficult time in your lives. My beloved Don worked for both you, Ed, as well as David Odom, at Oldsmobile, if my memory serves me correctly. My Sincere Sympathy to each of you from Donna Foster, Portland, Michigan

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S. Williams
March 20, 2013 at 8:12 am

I’m sorry to read of the loss of Catherine Anne Purchis. My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” May God bring you comfort and peace.

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Sue Shoemaker
March 21, 2013 at 10:01 pm

God Bless your mom Sue and Sandy, My condolences Mr. Purchis.
We always had so much fun at your house as teenagers.
Your mom was fun with a great sense of humor .
I remember many saturday nights watching late night comedy with you,
and mom liked it as much as we did.
She was a great Lady.

Sue Shoemaker

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Lynn Hershberger
March 22, 2013 at 10:31 pm

I’m SO sad for you. I wish I didn’t know grief, but I know from experience it comes in waves. Let them wash over you; they can’t last forever even when it feels they may.

Share the waves with safe friends; not everyone understands. Be kind to yourself whenever it’s hard.

My dad died 40 years ago and I think of him almost every day. I think it’s a great tribute to someone if they stay with you like that. Tears are appropriate, and they will come out of the blue for years.

The feelings will become easier, and the rough times will happen less often as time proceeds.

Gentle. It’s time to be selfish for a while.

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Russ & Tammie Barringer
March 24, 2013 at 3:39 pm

Sandy, Sue and Mr. Purchis, So sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my brother Tom in 2010 and I know it is never easy losing anyone.

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