Obituary of Catherine Zoe Busch

Catherine Z. Busch, 84, of Saginaw, beloved mother and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Catherine Zoe Feahr was born on July 26, 1935 to the late William B. and Esther R. (Hendrick) Feahr. She graduated salutatorian from St. Mary's Cathedral High School in 1953. Catherine earned her bachelor's degree with honors and completed graduate work in Education at Central Michigan University. On July 19, 1963, Catherine married her true love and life partner, Thomas H. Busch, who predeceased her in 1995. Catherine taught elementary school for many years, including positions in the Saginaw Public Schools and eighteen years with the Saginaw Township Schools, most notably Mackinaw Middle School where she taught sixth grade. She loved her career and working with students but put her professional life on hold to care for her mother during a long illness and to embrace the role of full-time mom. During those years, she was a substitute teacher and after the family moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1975, volunteered many hours of her time at Sacred Heart Parish and served as editor of the parish bulletin. Resuming her professional career, Catherine served briefly as librarian for Sacred Heart Academy before assuming the role of Director of Religious Education for the parish. She earned her real estate license and upon the family's return to Saginaw in 1985, joined CMW Real Estate. After retiring from real estate, Catherine put her sales and people skills to use in a retail setting with Wiechmann's Department Store. Following Tom's passing in 1995, Catherine planned three successful annual golf outings to raise funds for a golf scholarship in his memory at Saginaw Valley State University. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Catherine enjoyed exploring a wide variety of subjects including theology, philosophy, meditation, and self-improvement. She loved spending time with her family and friends who fondly remember her sense of humor, beautiful smile, and warm, vibrant personality. Catherine courageously battled Alzheimer's Disease for many years, and even during those trying times, brought joy and humor to those around her. She did not "succumb" to this disease; she went down swinging with her usual strength, dignity, and tenacity. Catherine is survived by her daughter, Emmie Busch, of Saginaw. In addition to her parents and husband, Catherine was preceded in death by three brothers and sisters-in-law, William J. (Mary Jane) Feahr, Rodger H. (Dolores) Feahr, and James V. (Joyce) Feahr. VISITATION: Will be held at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State), on Saturday, May 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. immediately followed by a memorial service in conformance with social distancing guidelines. A graveside committal service will take place Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Saginaw. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may consider the Busch Memorial Golf Scholarship at SVSU. Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Busch family; condolences may be expressed to the family at the funeral home or by visiting www.DeislerFuneralHome.com