Obituaries

Catherine H. (Varney) Sorenson, age 88, of Hessel, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Straits Area Assisted Living in St. Ignace, Michigan, on September 11, 2025, with family at her side. She was born on August 1, 1937, in Huron County, Michigan, to Clifford & Anna (Reese) Varney.

Cathy married Merle Sorenson on February 2, 1957. They lived in St. Ignace for twenty-seven years before moving and settling in Hessel in 1984. Cathy worked as a waitress at many establishments in both towns during her career, where her infectious laugh and easy-going demeanor earned her many close friends.

Cathy found joy in cooking and baking for friends and family. She was famous for her homemade pies. She loved fishing, whether from a boat, along the riverbank, or out on the ice, and she always seemed to catch more than her share. She enjoyed word puzzles and playing cards with friends, and was especially proud of scoring a perfect 29 hand in cribbage while playing in a league. Flowers were another passion; she spent countless hours tending her gardens, earning recognition with a local gardening award. A special joy in her later years was meeting and spending time with her great-grandson, Everett. Cathy lived a full and happy life, shared her generous heart with many, and will be deeply missed.

Cathy is survived by daughter Dee Dee (Soap) Bickham; granddaughters, Erin (Sean) Hendricks, Dr. Rebecca (Nick) Boston; great-grandson, Everett Boston; sister, Doris McKenzie; brother, Doug Varney; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Sorenson, Shirley Sorenson and Dorthy Sorenson, Minnie Varney, and Jan Varney; brothers-in-law, Roger Sorenson and Duane Sorenson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-seven years, Merle; daughter, Julie Norton; infant son, Bruce Sorenson; brothers, Rod Varney and Bill Varney; sister, Carol McKee; brothers-in-law, Gerald Sorenson, Max McKenzie and Alvin McKee; and sisters-in law, Donna Varney and Sue Varney.

A Graveside Service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in St. Ignace on October 25, 2025, at 12:00 Noon with a luncheon to follow at the Moose Lodge #999, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace, MI 49781.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Cathy’s honor to Clark Township Ambulance Corps., 212 S. Meridian St. Cedarville, MI 49719 or The Moose Lodge #999, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace, MI 49781.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Straits Area Assisted Living and McLaren Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Cathy.