Catherine L. Coburn, 71, of St. Ignace, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2009, at her home following a two-year battle with cancer.

She was born February 6, 1938, in St. Ignace to Roy and Hazel (nee Turner) Coburn and had 11 siblings.

She was graduated from Petoskey High School and attended Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, receiving a degree to teach high school. She completed her master’s of education degree with a major in English at Northern Michigan University.

Ms. Coburn taught English at Engadine and Brimley for many years and was the librarian in Brimley for several years.

She returned to St. Ignace in 1994, building her home in 1996 after clearing the land herself.

She was a member of the St. Ignace Assembly of God Church.

Ms. Coburn is survived by two brothers and their families, Ralph Coburn and Max Coburn, both of St. Ignace; 29 nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were siblings Bonnie Splitstone, Flora Reed, Laura Hall, Mahlon Coburn, Frank Coburn, Ethel Struble, Richard Coburn, Lyle Coburn, and Rose Grondin.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace. Services will be Thursday, August 20, at 11 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church with Pastor Dan Williams officiating.

Burial will be in Gros Cap Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Legacy House or Hospice, with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home.