Catherine Bhisitkul

Catherine Bhisitkul (1939-2024) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family in Lakeland, Florida on March 24, 2024. A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her memory is cherished by her family and the many people she touched throughout her life.

Catherine Murchake was born in 1939, and raised on a farm in Annapolis, Maryland as the 10th child in a family of 11. She was ‘Cookie’ to her siblings, after her favorite snack. She attended nursing school at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. While there she met a surgery resident from Thailand, Iam Bhisitkul, her future husband with whom she would share her life for 58 years. They married in 1961, starting a family and soon moving to Thailand for Iam’s assignment as a US Army doctor. While there Cathy served as a nurse at the US Embassy in Bangkok, and at the Army’s community clinics for people from the rural provinces.

After returning to the States, the family settled in Niles, Michigan, where Cathy devoted herself to raising her four children in a house on the St. Joe river. She believed in keeping her children active in sports, art, play, chores, and learning. Cathy also worked as the office manager and nurse for Iam’s solo medical practice, Niles Urology. She made lifelong friendships and was active in the community including with the Niles Garden Club, Fernwood Gardens, and St. Mary’s Elementary. A deep spirituality ran through her life, in the Catholic church, in daily meditation, and among her friends at the Christ Center.

After 30 years in Niles, Cathy and Iam retired to Lakeland, Florida, where they would spend the next 25 years. They built a home next-door to her daughter, Donna, and her family, so her grandchildren could be with her every day. There would be 11 grandchildren in all, and recently one great-grandson. She told each of them regularly that they were “the most wonderful in the whole world”. The entire family gathered at her home each year for Christmas, and she went all out with the tree, the decorations, big dinners, and lots of presents to ensure it was joyful for everyone. It was her favorite time of year.

Cathy is predeceased by her husband Iam (2019), and her granddaughter Gemma (2023). She is survived by her children: Robert (Sara), Donna (Bret), John, and Thomas (Jackie), as well as her grandchildren Iam, Lucie, Jonah, Andrea (Henry), Aaron, Anna, Alexandra, Amelia, Sonia, and Alexa, and her great-grandchild Avi. Her energy, positivity, and her unlimited love will be missed. We celebrate her long, full life rich with family and friends who love her. As she said herself, she will always be with us.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bonnet Springs Park Event Center,

400 Bonnet Boulevard, Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Cathy's memory to Bonnet Springs Park, https://bonnetspringspark.com/donate