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July 15, 2012

Catherine A. Caraher

TRAVERSE CITY — Died July 9, 2012

NORTHPORT — Catherine Ann Caraher, 80, of Northport, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Catherine was born in Detroit on Nov. 13, 1931, the daughter of James and Charlotte (Reid) Caraher.

Catherine grew up in St. Mary’s of Redford parish in Detroit and later attended the University of Detroit, where she received her bachelor’s degree. Pursuing further scholarship, Catherine was awarded master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit. Catherine’s doctorate in American Culture was awarded by the University of Michigan in 1967.

Catherine’s career focused on her educational interests, teaching high school students initially and later at the college level at her beloved University of Detroit. Dr. Caraher was tenured as an associate professor, teaching while moving through the administrative ranks to chairperson of the History Department in 1982 and Associate Dean of the Liberal Arts College in 1984. Dr. Caraher retired in 1994 and was granted Professor Emerita status in 1995. She was known as a tough but fair teacher who cared about the many students she taught and advised throughout her career.

Catherine’s getaway cottage at Omigisi Beach on Lake Michigan was the gathering focal point since the mid-1960s for her many friends and, particularly, for a growing number of nieces and nephews. A generation, at the least, grew up during many summers there due to her generosity and love of family.

Highlights of Catherine’s life included her cherished dogs, frequently of obscure heritage, but loved softly, raised and trained in the casual Irish manner. Catherine’s trips to Ireland with her sister, Rita, were most memorable and treasured. She lived simply but with great generosity; she didn’t spend time building castles but fostering souls.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, James and Charlotte; sisters, Mary Jo (Marion) and Rita (Kordel); and brothers, Thomas and Daniel.

Brother, James, survives as do nieces, Mary, Moira, Eva, Ann, Janet and Susan; as well as nephews, John, Daniel, Patrick and James.

Holy Mass in Catherine’s memory will be at St. Gertrude’s Church in Northport on Friday, July 20, at 11 a.m. A memorial service celebrating Catherine’s life will be at St. Mary’s of Redford Church in Detroit on Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Please share thoughts and memories with Catherine’s family on their online guestbook at www. record-eagle.com/obituaries/.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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