Catharina Armbruster

Catharina “Cathy” Armbruster, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in her home on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, after a wonderful 85 years of life. Cathy was born on June 22, 1936, to John and Mina DeGroote of Detroit, Michigan. Cathy spent her early years on the family farm in Croswell and fondly remembered riding her pony to school as a child. After moving to Detroit, she graduated from Southeastern High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation, Cathy began working as a cashier at Big Bear Supermarket where she met the love of her life, Richard “Rich” Armbruster. They were married within the year and enjoyed the next 67 wonderful years as husband and wife. Cathy and Rich went on to fill their house with seven children in a short ten years, she was a master of embracing the chaos. Anyone she met could tell she was a force; a strong, independent woman who loved her family fiercely. Throughout the years they moved between four cities, and she always made sure each house was truly a place to call home. A woman of boundless energy, Cathy enjoyed many pastimes over the years. She was an avid gardener whose flowers were an undeniable staple in the neighborhood. Painting, crafting, crocheting, she mastered it all, and took the time to teach anyone who wanted to learn. Collecting souvenirs and climbing the spiral steps of a new lighthouse was an opportunity that was never missed. Being unable to sit still for long, travel was a cherished pursuit throughout her life. Cruises, Caribbean trips, Vegas excursions, she was in her element when out experiencing life to its fullest with Rich. Their casino dates with Lady Luck were always a must whenever she had the slightest itch of her palm. It was a sign she insisted- she would be a fool not to oblige. Out of all her travels, camping in Ludington was a most treasured memory. Cathy was at her best outside soaking in the sunshine or floating down the river with all her grandchildren, although, it’s unclear if anyone ever heard her laugh as hard as she did when Rich’s side of the trailer collapsed in the middle of the night. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Levinus and Jozias; and son-in-law, Glen. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Rich; children, Rick (Mary), Sue (Tom), Cyndi (Ron), Sandy, Debi (Gerry), John, and Linda (Randy); 22 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy (Ron); caring friends, Sam and Jill Hendricks; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. The memorial will be streamed live at mkdfuneralhome.com. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. A special thank you to the caregivers from Emmanuel Hospice whose support allowed her to spend her last weeks at home surrounded by family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel Hospice (401 Hall St SW, Suite 263 Grand Rapids MI 49503) or Jenison Pink Out (PO Box 541 Jenison, MI 49429) in Cathy’s name. Like the lighthouses she greatly admired, Cathy’s infectious energy and love were beacons in the lives of all those for whom she cared. She will be deeply missed, always cherished, and never forgotten.