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Catherine Bhisitkul (1939-2024) passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 24th, surrounded by family.

Born Catherine Murchake in 1939, she was the 10th child in a family of 11.  She grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, then attended nursing school at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. In 1961 she married Dr. Iam Bhisitkul, with whom she would share her life for six decades. They settled in Niles, Michigan, where Cathy devoted herself to raising her four children, and working as the office manager for Iam’s medical practice, Niles Urology, along with making lifelong friendships, and being active in the community. Spirituality was a core value through her life, in the Catholic church and the Christ Center.

After 31 years in Niles, Cathy and Iam retired to Lakeland, Florida to live the next 25 next door to her daughter, Donna and her family.

Cathy was a devoted and beloved grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The entire family gathered at her home each Christmas. It was her favorite time of year.

She is predeceased by her husband, Iam (2019) and her granddaughter, Gemma (2023). She is survived by her children, Robert, Donna, John, and Thomas, as well as their spouses, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchild.

Cathy lived a long, full life, rich with family and friends who love her. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday March 28 at 10 a.m., at the Bonnet Springs Park Event Center,

400 Bonnet Boulevard, Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to Bonnet Springs Park, https://bonnetspringspark.com/donate