Obituaries

Catherine Isabelle Hess, age 70, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2025. She was born on June 12, 1955, in Sault Ste. Marie to Ronald and Muriel (Allard) Lane.

Catherine spent her early years in Sault Ste. Marie, Rose City, and Detroit, Michigan. A determined and loving mother, she earned her GED and later an associate degree from Lake Superior State University—all while raising her children and selling flowers. In her late thirties, she founded Go Getters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with mental illness. What began as a small grassroots effort grew into a prominent nonprofit serving Wayne County for many years. After a successful career of service, she retired in 2002 and returned to make her home in Sault Ste. Marie.

Known for her big heart and generous spirit, Catherine was deeply involved in her community and faith. She was a faithful supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, donated to hunger relief efforts, organized prayer chains, and was active in mental health advocacy groups, the Marion Prayer Group, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Catherine enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: playing cards, crafting and selling her wares at local shows, camping, sitting by bonfires, and praying with—and for—those around her. Her compassion and faith touched many lives.

She is survived by her sons, Victor (Christine) Quintanilla of Florida, David Garcia Quintanilla, and Ronald A. Quintanilla, both of Sault Ste. Marie; daughters, Cassandra M. Hess of Sault Ste. Marie, and Deana Hess and Dawn Hess of Canada; grandchildren: Victor (Jennifer) Quintanilla Jr., Catherine J. Quintanilla, David (Heather) Quintanilla, Issaih Quintanilla, Jordan Quintanilla, Chance Quintanilla, and Issabell Quintanilla; and great-grandchildren: Seth, David, Noah, Gabrial, Aaron, and Raymond; siblings, Kimberly (Joe) Shultz of Sugar Island, Vickie Sumner, Muriel Lynn Evens, John (Lori) Lane, and Magie Lane, all of Sault Ste. Marie.

Catherine was preceded in death by her infant son, Joseph Hess; parents, Ronald and Muriel Lane; brother, Tony Lane; and grandparents, Isabelle and Cyril Allard.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building (Sault Tribe Cultural Center), 11 Ice Circle, Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Visitation will continue until 12:00 Noon on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 PM at Holy Name of Mary Proto-Cathedral Catholic Church, 377 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Catherine’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 s. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, to help with the funeral costs.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.