Cathy Nelson

Cathy Ann Nelson passed away September 16, 2025 in Jenison, Michigan. Cathy was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 22, 1957 to Carl Nelson II and Joan (Schlecht) Nelson. She grew up in the company of her two brothers. Cathy attended public schools in Grandville, Michigan when the family moved there in 1962. She graduated from Grandville High School in 1975. Following high school, she enrolled at Michigan State University and during that time spent a summer studying in England. As her career developed, she became a retail buyer for Meijer for many years for the housewares department. She later worked as a buyer for several other retailers, and her career later took her to Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

Cathy had a real passion and talent for crocheting, sewing and quilting. She had a keen eye for color and produced many beautiful sweaters, scarves, and Christmas tree skirts, to name a few of her accomplishments.

Cathy battled Alzheimer's Disease for several years, and the onset of that disease precipitated her move to American House in Jenison in 2021. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Cathy is survived by her brothers, Mark Nelson and his wife Patricia, and Carl Nelson III and his fiancé, Cathy Wells; an aunt and an uncle, several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. A gathering to share stories and celebrate her life will be held Monday, October 13 from 9:30AM – 11:30 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Interment in Newaygo Cemetery.