Catherine Horvat

Catherine (Cathy) M. Horvat, age 86 of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, May 17, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Cathy was born January 23, 1935 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of George J. and Dorothy M. (Simonds) Swalwell. She was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek and a 1953 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central High School. On May 25, 1957, Cathy married Gerald P. Horvat at St. Philip Catholic Church. She retired from Transamerica Insurance Company then volunteered several years at Good Samaritan Hospice where she eventually became the organization’s volunteer coordinator. Her greatest joy, though, was the opportunity to stay at home to raise her children.  Cathy is survived by her husband Gerald; four daughters: Susan (Rick) Thurman, Julie (Dale) Peet, Teresa (Sam) Durham and Karen (Kirk) Spring all of Battle Creek; daughter-in-law: Linda Horvat of Marshall; eight grandchildren: Ryan (Katie) Thurman, Emily Thurman, Katie (Ryan) Stone, Lindsey (Bryan) Iler, Michael Durham, Eric Fleming, Hannah Spring and Brittney Horvat; eight great-grandchildren; one brother: Bill (Sandy) Swalwell of Battle Creek, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son John Horvat and brother Richard. J. Swalwell.  Cathy was a beautiful woman, inside and out, so full of life and laughter. She was deeply humble, kind, and the best listener. She was a great seamstress, cook, and enjoyed baking for her family. Cathy cherished the times she spent with family and her many friends whether at birthday celebrations, holidays, playing cards, outings, or meeting up at Zeller’s and Continental Pastries & Deli. She enjoyed reading, music, live theater, boating and fishing, trips to Brevort Lake in the U.P. and spending winters in Florida. Cathy was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cathy will be missed by everyone who was lucky to know her. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 N. 23 ^rd Street with Father Christopher Ankley officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Hospice Care of South West Michigan. www.henryfuneralhome.org