Cathy Seiser

A shining example of compassion each and every day, Catherine Seiser was a radiant light in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her bright smile and insatiable zest for life were contagious to everyone near, and she faced every obstacle that came her way with unyielding determination. Nothing brought Cathy greater joy than holding her family and friends close. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her, and her faith formed the foundation of her strong morals. Dearly missed, Cathy will be forever loved and remembered.

The 1940s were difficult years for many all around the world as WWII raged on. In the United States, many brave servicemen were called away from home while those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and did what they could to support the war effort. It was during this tumultuous time that Cathy made her entrance into the world, bringing so much happiness to the lives of her family. Born on January 26 of 1944, Cathy joined the family as a younger sister to her brother, Jim. The family later grew to include Cathy’s younger sister, Joan, as well.

Cathy’s childhood was filled with many wonderful moments. She was raised in the family home alongside Jim and Joan. As a girl, Cathy was a social butterfly, and she enjoyed arts and crafts. She had fond memories of spending summers with her family on Duck Lake in Calhoun County, and she liked boating with friends and laying out in the sun, fostering her lifelong love of the lake. Holidays were always spent with family. Cathy attended local schools and graduated from Albion High School in 1962, eager to see what the future held.

Cathy began studying to be a teacher at Western Michigan University, and it wasn’t long before she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Jim Seiser, a business student, and the two first met on a blind date. Jim immediately fell for Cathy and her sweet personality. They dated for a few years, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Cathy and Jim were united in marriage on August 19, 1967.

The newlyweds settled down into a rental house on Gull Lake, where Cathy took her first teaching job at Hickory Corners Elementary School. She then worked at Chime Elementary School for several years before taking a break from teaching to stay at home with her boys before they were old enough to go to school. She then started teaching at Spring Valley in Parchment all the way until her retirement. Over the span of her career, Cathy impacted the lives of countless precious young students.

There was nothing that was more important to Cathy in life than her family. Together, she and Jim were overjoyed to welcome their two sons, Andy and Steve, into their hearts and home. Cathy thrived in her role as their mother, and her boys always came first. She was very involved in their activities, even helping them out with their paper routes when they were young. Cathy instilled many qualities in Andy and Steve, including her Catholic faith and her love for lake life. Countless memories were formed at Duck Lake. Making Christmas cookies became a family tradition for Cathy and her boys.

Later in life, Cathy was “over the moon” to become a grandmother to her six adorable grandchildren: Drew, Claire, Charlotte, William, Ryan, and Luke. She adored her grandkids and doted on them endlessly. Cathy and Jim were the go-to babysitters - Cathy wouldn’t have it any other way. She passed down the tradition of baking cookies to the grandchildren, and she loved playing with them, at their level, and spoiling them at every opportunity. Cathy was honored to help raise her grandkids, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She considered herself deeply blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Cathy had many ways to stay busy in her free time. She loved shopping for everything from clothes to nicknacks for their home. Cathy and her sister, Joan, enjoyed taking the train to shop in Chicago at Christmas time. The kind of woman to always be put together, Cathy took pride in her appearance and her impeccable fashion sense. She was dedicated to her health and to the Weight Watchers lifestyle where she worked for about 10 years after her retirement from teaching. Cathy was a voracious reader of fiction. She also liked cross stitching and making framed cross stitched artwork, knitting, and needle point, even making hats for her children and grandchildren, and she loved all kinds of arts and crafts. Although Cathy and Jim made some memorable trips up North, they truly preferred to stay close to family, the focus of their lives. Their cottage on Indian Lake was the backdrop for many family gatherings, of which Cathy was the gracious host. She was happiest surrounded by her loved ones, soaking in every moment of the lake life she loved so much.

When reflecting on the life of Cathy Seiser, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her friends and family. She welcomed anyone and everyone with warmth and generosity. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Cathy was the steadfast matriarch of her family. Her heart of gold allowed her to tenderly care for those around her in a special way only she could, and she truly made the world a better, brighter place. Although she is already so greatly missed, Cathy leaves behind a beautiful mosaic of memories that her loved ones will forever keep close.

Cremation will take place. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 25, 2025, 11am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, with visitation beginning at 10am. A luncheon will be held at the Fieldstone Grill in Portage. Celebrate Cathy’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Great Lakes Chapter. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.