Catherine Ellen McLeod

Catherine Ellen McLeod (Forbes), formerly Catherine Jones, 75, of East Lansing, passed away at her home on August 14, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Cathy was born to James and Viola (Billie) Forbes on November 5, 1946, in Detroit, MI. When Cathy was still young, the family moved to Grayling where Cathy would spend her childhood, help at the family motel, work as a car hop (on roller skates) at Curly’s Drive-In, play the French horn, enjoy skiing and the beauty of the AuSable River, and make many friends. She graduated from Grayling High School in 1964. She went on to attend Wayne State University, get her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and Master’s in English from Michigan State University. She married Jack Jones, also of Grayling, in 1968. They had two children and were married until 1990.

Cathy’s jobs included teaching elementary school in Perry, running her own home day care and running a home typing business. She eventually began working for the State of Michigan, first in Certificate of Need and later with Medicaid Managed Care. She retired from the Michigan Department of Community Health in 2010.

Cathy married Charles McLeod in November 2010 and they resided in East Lansing together until her passing.

Cathy loved animals, particularly Clydesdale horses and dogs. After retirement, she spent much of her time training her dog, Casey, to be a therapy dog. She and Casey visited nursing facilities, MSU and other locations to give joy and comfort to others. Cathy was a lifelong traveler and cruiser. Her adventures took her to Europe, including her ancestral home, Scotland, the Caribbean, Alaska, cities where her children lived, and various casinos. Cathy was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved and was incredibly proud of her children and granddaughters. She was always sharing stories and pictures and attending sporting events and performances put on by her children and grandchildren.

Cathy will be remembered as a beautiful, intelligent and independent woman with a great sense of humor.  She was friendly and was always interested in hearing and truly listening to other people’s stories.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Viola Forbes; sister, Patricia; brother, Jack; and her dear dog, Casey. She is survived by her husband, Charles McLeod; daughter, Heather Slawinski and her husband, Tim of Holt, MI; son, Chris Jones and his wife, Bree of Seattle, WA; her three granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Allison, and Delilah; and other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by her caregivers from Home Instead and Sparrow Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 Aurelius Rd., Holt, MI. A visitation with family will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Capital Area Humane Society at www.cahs-lansing.org.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.