Catherine Oliver Michel

In Loving Memory of Catherine Elaine Oliver Michel June 23, 1949 – June 4, 2025 Catherine Elaine Oliver Michel, known affectionately as Cathy to friends and “Catfish” to her beloved husband, entered into the eternal joy of her Savior on June 4, 2025, at 10:34 a.m., surrounded by her daughters, granddaughter Helena, and niece Bliss. Born on June 23, 1949, to Alfred Jr. and Bettie Oliver in Franklin, Louisiana, Cathy lived a life radiant with faith, music, and boundless love for her family and community. After sustaining a severe stroke in October 2024, Cathy fought courageously to recover, her smile shining through even the hardest moments. At 75, her frail body could no longer continue, but her spirit soared to meet Jesus, leaving a legacy that will forever inspire.

Raised in Berwick alongside her four sisters, Cathy’s childhood was filled with music and Cajun pride. She attended Berwick Elementary and Berwick High School, where she played clarinet in the band and sang with a voice that captivated hearts. As a member of the renowned quartet The Co-Eds, she performed on the Louisiana Hayride Show and traveled to New York to audition for The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s, a testament to her talent and adventurous spirit. Cathy pursued higher education at Nicholls State University for two years, but her true calling was sharing her gifts with the world.

On December 13, 1969, Cathy married her sweetheart, Lovelace “LJ” Michel Jr., embarking on a 55½-year love story rooted in faith and devotion. Early in their marriage, they moved to Oahu, Hawaii, where LJ was stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Navy, living there for two cherished years. Cathy embraced the island’s culture, learning to surf the waves and perform the traditional Hawaiian hula dance, while forming lasting friendships and cherishing the Hawaiian people. Together, they raised three children: Marie, Thomas, and Megan, building a home filled with laughter, prayer, and the melodies of Cathy’s heart.

Cathy’s love for the Lord was the cornerstone of her life. She stood firm in her convictions, urging others to “get your heart right with Jesus and live for Him.” As a devoted member of church, she sang on the praise and worship team, lifted her voice in the choir, and mentored children through Sunday school and young ladies in Missionettes. Her passion for sharing Christ led her to women’s prison ministry, where she helped women transition back to family life, find jobs, and become productive community members. Cathy never missed a chance to tell a stranger about Jesus, her compassion touching countless lives.

A proud Cajun, Cathy celebrated her Louisiana heritage with fervor. As Director of Tourism for Morgan City in the 1980s, she established beloved events like the Boo Zoo Celebration at the Petting Zoo and Christmas at The Swamp Gardens, featuring a live nativity and festive displays. Later, as Lighthouse Park Director for the Town of Berwick in the 1990s, she played a key role in establishing the Everett S. Berry Lighthouse Park on the Berwick riverfront. A gifted musician, she wrote and recorded “Morgan City is Waiting for You,” a song promoting local tourism. Cathy’s love for event planning brought people together, from church gatherings to community festivals, each infused with her warmth and creativity. An awesome cook, she was well-versed in Cajun cuisine, delighting family and friends with dishes that captured the heart of Louisiana’s culinary traditions.

Family was Cathy’s greatest joy. A kind, compassionate and praying mother, she adored her children—Marie, Thomas and Megan and cherished her 13 grandchildren, each her “favorite,” she loved spending time with them, calling to check on their well-being, and lifting them up in prayer. A passionate reader, Cathy instilled a love of books in her grandchildren, reading to them with enthusiasm and gifting them stories that sparked their imaginations, creating

cherished memories. Her sisters: Diana, Mary, Tracy and Lily, were her best friends in life, and she treasured her nieces and nephews. Cathy was a pillar of support, always there for family and friends, going out of her way to ensure everyone felt loved and valued. Known as “everyone’s mom and Maw Maw Cathy,” her adventurous spirit, strength, and dignity made her a beacon of love.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Jr. and Bettie Oliver; her baby brother, Little Alfred; & her little sister, Tracy Oliver Davis.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55½ years, Lovelace “LJ” Michel Jr.; daughter Marie Michel (and partner Frank) of Berwick, LA; son Thomas Michel (and wife Amber) of Abbeville, LA; and daughter Megan Michel Savoie (and husband Kwin) of Lafayette, LA; her 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, with one on the way; her sisters, Diana Plessala, Mary Crochet (& husband Tracey), and Lily Rebardi; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Twin City Funeral Home - Morgan City, LA has been entrusted with her Memorial Service which will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of Cathy’s life at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude and love to the staff, caregivers and teams at Legacy Nursing & Rehabilitation of Morgan City along with Heart of Hospice for the love, compassion, and medical care provided to Ms. Catherine, affectionately known to her care team as “Miss Cat.” Their dedication brought comfort and dignity to her final months.

As we grieve her passing, we rejoice knowing Cathy is singing with the angels, welcomed by her Savior with, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). Her faith, love, and music will echo in our hearts until we meet again.