Catherine B. Lesandrini

Catherine was born on July 31, 1917, in Hermansville, daughter of the late Michael Rodman and Catherine (Sudac) Rodman. She married Louis Lesandrini on July 16, 1938, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. He preceded her in death in 2003.

Catherine took pride in her work as a wife, mother, homemaker and election worker. She was a proper, humble and gentle woman, but possessed the quiet strength of a strong Croatian woman. Catherine had an enthusiasm and appreciation for everyday life, especially those days when the sun was shining. When asked her secret to longevity, she replied, “I pray every day!” She was unconditionally loving and forgiving, and issued an edict to her family to do the same, because “people can’t help who they are.”

Catherine was a devout Catholic and senior member of American Martyrs Church. When she became physically unable to attend weekly Mass, she looked forward to her regular visits or phone calls from Fr. Joe.

Catherine is survived by her five grandchildren, Cathy Hartenstein, Calvin Coopman Jr., Anita (Keith) Lyman, April (Ken) Degenaer, Allen (Diana) Schuls, Angi (John) Mellon, and Brandi (Ryan) Schomisch; 15 great-grandchildren, Jill Logsdon (Gabriel), Alex Weatherbie (Sean), Laura Smart, Kris Lyman (Kayla), Miranda (Travis) Siewert, Justin (Courtnie) Degenaer, James Degenaer (Jean), Allie Martin, Domenic (Emily) Testolin, Caitlynn Testolin, Nick (Tiffany) Mellon, Jake Mellon (Alicia), Maggi Mellon, Shayleen and Ryan Schomisch Jr.; 17 great-great-grandchildren, Taylor Logsdon, Ty Montgomery, Tucker Lyman, Owen and Landon Siewert, Jude, Jayden and Jaylee Degenaer, Simon, Romeo and Jedrek Degenaer, Oliver Martin, Alyanna Testolin, and Shylah, Zoey, Bentley and Ashlyn Mellon; brothers-in-law, Domenic “Curly” (Anna Mae, deceased) Lesandrini and Donald (Carol) Lesandrini; sisters-in-law, Betty Lesandrini and Jackie Lesandrini; several special nieces and nephews, especially Mike (Debbie) Rodman, Mary (Mark) Murray and Mark (Bobbi Jean) Rodman; and special cousin, Mary (Rudy) Rehoric.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Patricia (Coopman) Sydmark and Louis Lesandrini Jr.; sons-in-law, Calvin Coopman Sr. and Rudolph “Bud” Sydmark; daughter-in-law, Wanda Hulce; sister, Anne (Clifford) Bianchetti; brothers, Anthony, John, Frank and Michael (Patricia) Rodman; sisters-in-law, Celeste (Adolph) Spigarelli, Adeline (Les) LaPointe, Evelyn (Donald) Tousignant, and Patricia (Edgar) Loper; brothers-in-law, Joseph “Toby”, Lawrence (Ardith), Clifford (Sue), Arthur (Kay), and Robert.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 12 at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be at Dickinson County Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Catherine’s great-grandsons and great-great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maryhill Manor General Fund.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Catherine Lesandrini online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.