Obituary: Catherine Micheline Neefs-Robbins, 87, of Hart

March 4, 2024

Catherine Neefs-Robbins

Obituary: Catherine Micheline Neefs-Robbins, 87, of Hart

Catherine Micheline Neefs-Robbins, 87, passed away peacefully, February 27, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born August 2, 1936, in Brussels, Belgium, to Emile and Christine (VanStellan) VanGysegem

As a teenager, in 1949, Catherine left Belgium and came to the United States with family. She then attended Hart Public Schools, navigating the learning curve of the English language. Graduating from high school in 1954, Catherine went back to Belgium, where she married Nicholas Neefs, opened a beauty salon, and was blessed with her daughter. In 1963, the family traveled to the United States where Catherine opened “Cathy’s Beauty Salon,” which stayed open for 45 years. Catherine worked into her 70s, providing beauty care for those at Cherry Blossom and the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. After losing her husband, Nicholas Neefs in 1977, she was remarried to Russ Robbins in 1979, gaining three more daughters.

Catherine loved animals, big or small. Russ remarked that if he could be reincarnated one day that he would like to come back as one of Catherine’s pets, as they were so well cared for. Catherine was a giving, loving, and accepting woman, she gave many monetary donations throughout her years, as well as her time within her own community. She was a phenomenal mother, excellent wife, and a wonderful aunt. She shared a very special relationship with her two nieces, Cathy and Christine and their families. All who met Catherine created a fondness and love for her.

Catherine spent the last two and a half years of her life nurturing the many relationships made at the the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. The family would like to thank the kindness, love, and care from not just the staff, but the residents as well.

Catherine is survived by: her husband of 44 years, Russ Robbins; daughters, Lisbeth (Dave) Smith, Lisha (Joe) Zelewicz, Sandy (Tom) Sorensen, and Regina (George) Young; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many close nieces, nephews, and cousins; and great-nieces and nephews.

Catherine was preceded in death by: her parents, Emile and Christine (VanStellan) VanGysegem; sister, Elise Fenton; her first husband, Nicholas Neefs; and one granddaughter, Danielle Zelewicz.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Mears United Methodist Church, 1990 North 56th Avenue, Mears, with a luncheon immediately following. Visitation will take Tuesday, from 10 a..m. until the time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oceana County Medical Care Facility’s activities department, 701 E. Main Street, Hart, MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.