Mary Catherine Hustoles

"Each and every one of you has the power, the will and the capacity to make a difference in the world in which you live." - Harry Belafonte

Mary Catherine (Syoen) Hustoles was a woman of many dimensions.  Although certainly a wife, mother and homemaker, her life encompassed much more. Brought up in a family that devoted their spare time to helping the church and those less fortunate than they, Mary Catherine learned those lessons early. For years, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (now Corpus Christi) in Detroit, she ran an ongoing blood drive, a senior lunch program, and various charitable enterprises as president of the IHM Women's Society. During the Detroit riots of 1967, she delivered food daily to those in need in the affected neighborhoods. She also gave thousands of hours to Providence Hospital of Southfield, becoming President of the Volunteers, and the first honorary member of their board.

In addition, Mary Catherine loved visiting the casino, taking pictures of everything and everyone, and exploring the latest technologies. She never gave up her lifelong passion for driving. The family is especially thankful to her assisted living facility, Green Acres of Mt. Pleasant, where she made special friends.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Edward, she is survived by her children Paul (Mary Jo) Hustoles, Mary Beth Hustoles and Barb (Don Smith) Hustoles, and daughter-in-law Carol Hustoles. Her eldest son Tom (Carol) Hustoles died two years ago. Fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and even one great great grandchild continue her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary Catherine's name can be made to her Detroit parish, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, at corpuschristi-detroit.org .