Catherine Occhipinti, age 86 of Grand Rapids, died Tuesday, July 23, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent, in 2000 and infant grandchild, Niva Marie Occhipinti. She is survived by her children, Carl (Martha Olovson) Occhipinti, Tom (Nancy) Occhipinti, Dennis (Carol) Occhipinti, Theresa (Steve) Smith, Andrea Occhipinti-Tamboer; sister, Josephine (Andy) Anderson; 13 grandchildren: Christopher and Ashley Occhipinti; Matthew, Nicholas, Benjamin and Carmen Occhipinti; Nichole Chuchvara, David and Kyle Smith; Noel and Lauren Tamboer; Joseph and Angela Occhipinti; 10 great-grandchildren; very special niece, Peg (Fred) Long and their family; many nieces and nephews. Catherine’s home was always welcoming, warm and filled with the aromas of her Italian cooking. The love of her life was family, and she will be deeply missed by all. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive S.E., Rev. James A. Chelich presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 5-8:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Educational Fund, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506
