Catherine Elaine Knibbs passed away Friday, December 10 after a valiant battle with COVID-19.
Her adventurous life began March 21, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois where she was born moments before her twin sister Carole to parents Glenn and Virginia Knibbs. Her older sister Marjorie rounded out her family life. Within a few years, Cathy’s life was forever changed as the family headed to Gaylord, Michigan after her parents divorced and her mother remarried, adding a brother, Richard, and sister, Geri. Her stepfather Ken, an avid outdoorsman, instigated a shift from the excitement of Chicago’s city life to the serenity of God’s country—Northern Michigan—where Cathy began her lifelong affection for clear-water lakes, birch trees in every season, and small towns.
In school, Cathy was known as a loyal, thoughtful friend who excelled in English and the arts. Soon after high school, she married her Gaylord High School sweetheart, Phil Hutchins, and left with him to settle in Wiesbaden, Germany where Phil was serving in the US Air Force. They welcomed Michael in 1964 and Joni in 1966. Despite the end of her marriage to Phil, Cathy remained a hopeless romantic and remarried within a few years. During her 10-year marriage to Gunther Frank, a German immigrant, and businessman, the family set off on a whirlwind of moves–to Corunna, Michigan; Hanover Park, Illinois; Uhingen, Germany; Chicago; and finally, Fennville, Michigan. In each new community, Cathy busied herself with learning local customs and traditions, from religious observances, secrets of local cooking, and volunteering her time to benefit numerous social causes. Her artistic endeavors were constant outlets for her creative energy as evidenced in the home after home with painted murals, custom-sewn draperies and linens, intricately knitted blankets, and magical meals. Sadly, her second marriage also ended in divorce, but once again, Cathy forged ahead. Together with her partner Guadalupe Callejas, Cathy was blessed with a third child, Sulema, in 1983. Within a few years, Cathy married her third husband, Edward Reichel, and welcomed her fourth child, Kyle, in 1988, along with the adoption of Sulema. During her 24-year marriage to Edward, Cathy lived in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and lastly, North Carolina where Cathy owned and operated a bakery in downtown Advance. Once again, Cathy immersed herself in small-town life, volunteering for the Civitans and building friendships. Eventually, she made her way back to Fennville to live in retirement with her beloved Guadalupe. She took magnificent pleasure in spending time with friends, family, and grandchildren, visiting the lakeshore whenever possible, and knitting countless hats, mittens, and slippers for local children in need.
At her core, Cathy was an artist and chef with boundless curiosity. Nothing made her big heart happier than cooking for people or presenting handmade gifts. She respected nature—she was pre-cycling, recycling, upcycling and free-cycling decades before these things were things. Her garden was organic, her house plants were real, her apple pie was heavenly (that crust!) and her ability to forgive was inspiring. Cathy will be missed dearly by all who sat at her table.
The family is especially grateful to Sam Callejas, Ann Schutt, and Mark and Dee Mitchell, who, together with their families, showered Cathy with incredible love and care during her last few years. Their dedication to her well-being made it possible for Cathy to live independently in her home. This made her divinely happy.
Cathy is survived by her children Michael Hutchins, Joni Hutchins Morse, Sulema Reichel, and Kyle Reichel; grandchildren Jake Hutchins (Alyssa), Cameron Morse, Donovan Morse, Kyler Mitchell, and Mari Mitchell; siblings Dr. Marjorie Knibbs Pratt (Peter), Carole Knibbs Wurtz (Tom) (former brother-in-law Ivars Svanfelds), brother-in-law Gary Gooding; nieces Laura Svanfelds, Kris Svanfelds ( great-nephew Nick Buffone, great-niece Avery Buffone), Amanda Gooding Edington (great-nephew Joseph), Carrie Gooding Naylor (Larry). She was preceded in death by her beloved partner of many years Guadalupe Callejas; former husbands Edward Reichel, Gunther Frank, and Phil Hutchins; father Glenn Knibbs and stepmother Ann Knibbs, mother Virginia Denison Albert and stepfather Kenneth Albert; brother Richard Albert, sister Geri Albert Gooding, great-nephew Slawek Wozniak, son-in-law Scott Morse and daughter-in-law Tatiana Reichel.
Family and friends are joyfully welcome to gather for an intimate outdoor prayer service as she is laid to rest.
Cathy Knibbs Cemetery Prayer Service
Friday, December 17, 2021
2:00 pm
Pearl Cemetery in Fennville, Michigan
https://goo.gl/maps/Dx7FWUaB5gkM3RQw5
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in remembrance of Cathy:
Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Centers of Allegan and surrounding Counties
Ladders of Hope Food Pantry in Fennville
Due to covid concerns, guests are asked to wear a mask during the cemetery service and test prior to attending. Please understand, Michigan is experiencing a spike in covid hospitalizations. Cathy herself died of covid within less than three weeks of being exposed without vaccination protection. Additional factors include people flying in from other states combined with the likely presence of dearly loved family members who are immuno-compromised through no fault of their own. Again, please be understanding – mask up, test up.
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