Catherine A. (Cazepis) Graf-Olsen

Catherine A. Graf-Olsen, age 91, of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home March 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 12, 1933, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Greek immigrants Heracles and Zoi (Cossolias) Cazepis, Cathy embodied the spirit of resilience and joy from an early age. Her love for ballet and tap dancing flourished during her childhood, and she proudly served as captain of the cheerleading squad at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, from which she graduated in 1951.

In 1952, Cathy married Robert W. Graf, with whom she shared 24 wonderful years. During this time, she was honored as the 1st runner-up in the Mrs. Virginia Pageant in Norfolk while Robert served in the U.S. Navy. Together, they raised three children: twin daughters Kimberly Ann and Karen Sue, and their son Robert E. Graf. Following husband Robert’s passing in 1976, Cathy pursued her passion for education, earning her degree in Early Education from Eastern Michigan University. She then moved to Florida, where she dedicated 15 years to teaching elementary school, earning accolades such as Teacher of the Year and several Certificates of Appreciation, a testament to her impact on countless young lives.

In 1998, Cathy found love again with Reinhart A. Olsen, and they shared 20 beautiful years together until his passing in 2018. Through this marriage, she embraced a blended family, gaining stepson Gary Olsen, stepdaughter Sandra Olsen, and two cherished step-grandchildren.

Cathy’s early years were filled with joy at Portage Lake in Pinckney, where she relished boating, swimming, and skiing with friends and family. An avid seamstress and talented home decorator, she also nurtured a passion for travel. In 2022, her son Rob brought her dream to life of visiting Greece-her parents’ homeland. She traveled with her children to Greece, Italy, and France, at the remarkable age of 88.

A member of Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney, Cathy cherished the friendships she formed there, always welcoming new connections with warmth and kindness.

Cathy is preceded in death by her first husband, Robert (Bob) Graf, a U.S. Navy veteran and Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy; her second husband, Reinhart (Swede) Olsen, a U.S. Air Force veteran; her brother, Nicholas Cazepis, sister Helen (Cazepis) Garris, and sister Elizabeth Cazepis.

She is survived by her three children, Kimberly Seyfried, Karen Haller (Mike), and Robert Graf (Joy), along with two stepchildren, Sandra Arnold and Gary Olsen. She also had several grandchildren, Kenneth Seyfried (Alexis), Kortney Fultz (Jon), Konnor Seyfried (Karly), Jonathan Haller (Kim), Jason Haller (Katie), Brittany Tite (Jason), Ryan Graf, Edrick Diaz, Kayleigh Graf Diaz; step grandchild, Daryl Arnold (Shawn); as well as great grandchildren, Liam Haller, Morgan Haller, Hailee Tite, Griffin Tite, Remily Fultz, Hazel Fultz; and step great grandchildren, Ava Arnold and Dylan Arnold; and several nieces and nephews.

Cathy’s family and friends will gather, Monday, March 24, 2025, from 4:00PM-8:00PM, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, 7425 E. M-36, Hamburg, Michigan 48139. Her Community Farewell will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00AM (10AM gathering), at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Shalom Lutheran Church.

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