Catherine Holmes-Moyet

Catherine Sue Holmes-Moyet passed away surrounded by loved ones in Grand Rapids on August 3rd, 2025, at the age of 66.

Catherine always lived her life to the fullest. Born and raised in Charlotte, Michigan, she graduated from Charlotte High School and went on to obtain her degree in Education and Sociology at Western Michigan University. In her youth, Catherine developed a passion for traveling, and was fortunate to call many places home. She lived in multiple places, from Michigan to Rhode Island, often moving with her best friend, Jack. In their free time they would catch impromptu flights to the beach as often as Jack’s airline position would allow. It was in Rhode Island where she accepted a position as a director of Academic services for Johnson and  Wales University, a position where she excelled in leading students to success, and for which she was very proud. It was there that she met her husband, Francois Moyet, with whom she moved to Paris, France. While living in Paris, they started a family and had two daughters, Claire and Mathilde. The couple went on to live in Paris for three years, after which they moved back to Michigan, eventually settling in Kalamazoo. She spent many years balancing multiple titles after that; business owner, accountant, store manager, leader, as well as others. She was fortunate to have had multiple careers which she loved.

There were three things that Catherine loved above all else – Family, laughter, and adventure. Her most cherished memories were when the three things collided into beautiful moments. Catherine’s definition of family was not limited to blood and she welcomed many friends into her home with an open heart. Many of her children’s friends considered Catherine to be a ”Second Mother” to them. Catherine’s house was always where people gathered, regardless of which house she lived in. Where ever she was, she could make it feel like home.

Catherine loved to laugh and did all the time. She had a wonderful sense of humor, making everyone around her laugh everywhere she went. At 66 she was not only young at heart, but also never visibly seemed to grow older at all, beautiful every day of her life.

Catherine’s favorite adventures were traveling, particularly to warm tropical destinations. She was blessed to take many trips to those places and share them with her family. She loved being near the water and going to the beach. Catherine’s wishes after she passed included spreading her ashes at one of these beautiful beaches she loved so much.

Catherine was an incredible, strong, and resilient woman. She held firm in her beliefs and stood up for what she believed in, while still being open to change. She was selfless and thoughtful, always helping anyone that she could. She was witty and intelligent, possibly Jeopardy’s biggest fan. Catherine was classy and elegant, with a timeless sense of style. She was innovative and creative, skills she’d often flaunt in the kitchen. Catherine was fun, and loved to have fun, often the life of the party. Her daughters meant the world to her and she enjoyed spending time with them immensely. She loved watching them grow into the women they are today and will be proud to see them carry on her legacy and spirit.

Catherine is survived by her daughters, Claire and Mathilde and her husband, Francois Moyet. She is also survived by her siblings, Craig, Candace and Daniel as well as her nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place the first weekend of September, near Lake Michigan, one of Catherine’s favorite places. For more details please contact Catherine’s daughters.