Catherine Parle OBITUARY

Catherine (Kate) Walsh Parle of Oxford, MI died May 12, 2024 Survived by children Marty Humphreys (Linda Flinkman), Theresa (Dale) McNally, David Humphreys, grand children Kristal (Dominic) DeLuca, Hannah Flinkman-Humphreys, Anthony Quilliams and siblings Dennis (Bertha) and John. Kate is also survived by beloved cousins, siblings-in-law and many adored nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Mary Monica (Walsh) Parle & Jerome ‘Tobe’ Parle, husband Richard Humphreys and sisters Theresa Ann & Ann Marie. Kate was born Mary Catherine Parle on Aug. 9, 1939. She graduated from St. Frederick High School, class of 1957, and earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in counseling at Oakland University. She worked at Montgomery Ward, Pontiac State Bank, Oakland County Probate and Oxford Public Library. Kate and Dick married in 1963, raising 3 children, and divorced in 1987. They remained loving friends until the end of Dick’s days. Kate was a fine singer and accomplished player and teacher of piano. She was a maker with fabric: knitting, sewing, crocheting & weaving. In 1987, she moved to Oxford, Michigan, where she pursued genealogy, nature, spirituality and Irish history & culture. Travel took her to Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, Detroit Ethnic Festivals, camping and her beloved Colorado. Kate found inspiration and spiritual sustenance in loving relationships, kindness to all and the beauty of nature. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Detroit PBS.