Kaye was born on January 28, 1933 in Suttons Bay, Michigan; the daughter of Martin and Helen (Kolarik) Korson.

Kaye’s parents were 2nd generation Czech immigrants who raised their children “on the farm”, as Gram would say, in Lake Leelanau in Lower Michigan. With 9 sisters and 3 brothers, Kaye was the middle child of 13. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School & was later employed as a telephone operator with four of her sisters at Michigan Bell in Traverse City. Catherine met “Jack” while he was attending Western Michigan University & forever became his Darling Cat on October 12th, 1957. Their daughter, Val, was born in Kalamazoo. After moving to the U.P. in 1962, John and Kaye had 4 boys, John III, Mark, Tom and Scott. Kaye returned to work for Michigan Bell in Upper Michigan, volunteered at church, was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and active in the Rapid River Booster Club while her boys were in sports. She loved to snuggle babies, made the best pie and could cook any critter Jack brought home. In retirement, Kaye and Jack enjoyed their road trips together and sang in the choir at St. Charles church in Rapid River.

Catherine is survived by her siblings, Philip Korson, Emma Gallagher, Helen Galla, Magdalen Gavin, Martin Korson, Sylvester Tom Korson and Ann Korson; daughter, Valerie Kobasic & sons John III, Mark, Tom and Scott McLenithan. Kaye and Jack had 15 grandkids. Although Great Grandpa only got to meet 1, Great Grama Mac got to love 10 great grandbabies. She spent her last few years reading stories, fixing stuffies & sneaking snacks before dinner daily with Bailey Catherine and Korson Allan. Grama Mac was always ready for the next grandbaby, perfecting a crocheted blanket well in advance. She raised a family of warriors, teaching every one of us to never give up or give in - what love, forgiveness, family and faith mean, right up until the very end.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Helen Korson; husband, John McLenithan II; sisters, Julia Rieger, Philomena Korson, Dorothy Bramer, Lucille Younglas as well as (her sister & best friend) Bernadine Gallagher. Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Catherine will begin at 3 PM at St. Charles of Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon and birthday cake will follow mass in the parish hall. To offer online condolences, please visit www. skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the McLenithan family.