Cathy Jo Kangas

Cathy Jo (Cotter) Kangas died peacefully at home on October 7, 2025. In September, she was diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive cancer that she fought with every ounce of her being. Cathy was born in Carson City, Michigan but was primarily raised in Cheboygan, Michigan by her mother, Louise Cotter, and father, Joseph Cotter. Cathy grew up on Munro Lake in the Cheboygan area. She enjoyed swimming and riding her bike to the gas station with her sister Jennifer. Cathy made friends easily and remained friends with girls from her childhood for her entire life, creating many memories on girls’ trips throughout the years. After graduating valedictorian from Cheboygan High School, she attended Albion College where she earned a bachelor’s degree, became a teacher and moved to Benzie County. Amongst 30 years teaching (Benzie Central and Glen Lake), she got married, raised her three kids (Cora, Emma, and Eli) and touched innumerable lives. Teaching wasn’t just a career for her; it was a passion. Cathy deeply cared about all of her students and wanted to help them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. When she wasn’t at school, Cathy loved spending time with friends and family. In the summer she spent every day outside: tan, smiling and glowing. She loved the beach, the woods, paddleboarding and relaxing on her back deck with a beer. Although she may no longer be physically with us, the love she gave to so many will never die. Cathy was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Cora Howell, grandparents, Ardis and Maryellen Howell, and father, Joseph Cotter. She is survived by her children, Cora Kangas, Emma Kangas and Elijah Kangas; mother, Louise Cotter; sister, Jennifer (Ron) Brown; niece, Angela (Zach) O’Grady and nephew, Jason (Bradie) Brown. A Memorial Service honoring Cathy will take place at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Pastor Deb Patterson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 1110 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Cathy’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Cathy Jo Kangas

March 29, 1973 - October 7, 2025