Catherine Priebe

TRAVERSE CITY — Catherine Helen Woodward Priebe passed away on Nov. 15, 2010, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. She was 102 years of age. Catherine was born on June 3, 1908, in Benzonia, to parents Herbert and Sara Elizabeth Woodward. Her musical talent developed early, and at age 14 she began to play organ in the Benzonia Congregational Church. While in high school she played on the Benzie High School Girls' Basketball Team. She also served as the secretary and treasurer of her class as a high school junior. Graduating from Benzonia High School in 1926, she was valedictorian of the class.In the fall of 1926, Catherine entered Oberlin College, where she pursued studies in music. After graduation from Oberlin, she earned her teaching certificate from Western Michigan Teacher's College in Kalamazoo. Her first teaching position was with the Baroda-Bridgman schools, where she taught Latin and music. She married Charles E. Priebe in 1933. Charles and Catherine were members of the Benton Harbor Congregational Church, where Catherine directed the children's choir.Throughout her life, Catherine found ways to use her many talents. A highly skilled seamstress, she made her own clothes, including her wedding dress, and often created outfits for grandchildren. She was a proud and loving grandmother who had special relationships with each of her grandchildren. She loved playing golf, walking, exercising and cross stitching. After the passing of her husband, Charles in 1982, Catherine moved to Traverse City to be closer to family. Her musical gifts were almost immediately in demand. She served as organist and pianist with a local church and with the Kitchen Band and for the Grand Traverse Pavilions' Sunday afternoon worship service. At age 102 she was still able to perform hymns and popular songs from memory on the keyboard. She was a remarkable woman.Catherine's passing was preceded by sister, Mary Jean Elizabeth Woodward in 1989; brother, Herbert Stuart Woodward in 2001; sister, Grace Imogene Woodward Smeltzer in 1980; and son, Robert Eugene Priebe in 1939. She is survived by daughters, Margaret A. Beery (John) and Mary B. Parrish (David); grandchildren, John Charles Beery (Anne), Michael Dale Beery, Maryanne C. Beery-Snyder (Eric), Christopher David Parrish (Katrina) and Michael Charles Parrish. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, John William and Sara E. Beery, and Margaret Helen and Clara Wray Snyder; and six nieces and nephews.A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, with the Rev. Chris Noffke, of Zion United Church of Christ, officiating. Memorial gifts in Catherine's name may be directed to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684; or the Mills Community House, PO Box 421, Benzonia, MI 49616.The family wishes to profoundly thank the incredible Pavilions staff and especially the care given by the Birch Pavilion.Please share your thoughts and condolences with the family at Catherine's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

Catherine Priebe

November 15, 2010