Obituary of Cathrine Jo Mataczynski

Cathrine J. Mataczynski (nee Dace)

1951 – 2022

Cathrine J. Mataczynski, of Livonia, Michigan passed away on August 2, 2022, at the age of 71.  She was born in Alpena, Michigan.  Daughter to the predeceased Naomi M. Dace and the late Stanley Dace.  Cathrine is survived by Richard her devoted husband of 31 years.  Predeceased by her former husband of 19 years Martin Kravens.  Loving mother to Rachel (Michael) Kennedy and grandmother to Amanda and Joselyn.  Survived by her sister Sharon Price and brother James Dace and predeceased by her sister Carol Lorenz.  She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Cathrine was born in Alpena, Michigan on July 21, 1951.  She spent her childhood at a resort her grandfather built on Long Lake (Silo View).  She continued to live in Alpena until the age of 11, and then moved to the city of Dearborn Heights, where she graduated from Harvey Lowrey High School in 1969.  Some of her favorite things to do included racing her 1965 GTO and attending many fun dances at the Chatterbox and the Pumpkin.  She was a bookkeeper by trade and retired from Red Lobster, Western and Southern Insurance.  Cathrine was a three-time cancer survivor of laryngeal, breast and esophageal.  Regardless of her battles she continued to smile and say, “I got this!”.  She was very involved with head and neck cancer support groups at the Henry Ford Hospital.  She was a valued and loved supporter of the Relay for Life and would eagerly attend every relay with pride, confidence, and honor.  Cathrine loved to travel the world.   Everywhere she went, she met new people and has friends all over the globe.  She considered these friends her family and would write to them often.  Cathrine was filled with faith.  Her love for the Lord Jesus Christ shone through and she was always so happy and proud to share this with everyone she met.  Grace Baptist Church in Livonia was more than a place for fellowship and prayer, this was a place she shared her faith with her church family.  It was a second home to her and her husband.   By far, she was the most caring and giving mother to her daughter and loved her granddaughters more than anything.  She taught them how to love every second of life and make the most of each day.  We are not sure if she knew or realized how many people’s lives, she touched, changed, and inspired.  Her story is one to be recognized, praised, understood, and admired.  Simply put, she was miraculous.

Cathrine’s Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on September 10, 2022, at Grace Baptist Church

28440 Lyndon,

Livonia, Michigan

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Family and Friends fellowship

4:00 p.m. Memorial Service

Dinner provided afterwards in the church

As an expression of sympathy, donations made to the family will be brought to the Henry Ford Cancer Pavilion in Cathrine’s name.