Cathy Jo Brian

Cathy Jo Brian, age 69, passed away surrounded by her family in Venice, Florida on April 9th, 2024. Daughter of Betty and Ott Brian, Cathy began her life's journey on July 10th, 1954 and was raised in Highland, MI. She later moved to Woodcrest, CA, where she spent her formative years with her husband Ali and daughter Breanne on their 24-acre ranch surrounded by chickens, goats, horses, and Great Danes. In her later years, Cathy made her home in Highland, MI, where she had the privilege of caring for her parents. Her life was a testament to love, compassion, and dedication to family.

Cathy is survived by her daughter Breanne Stuart (Kinte) and son-in-law Brian Stuart, as well as her grandchildren Courtland Kinte and Jordan Stuart, who were her pride and joy. She leaves behind her loyal canine companion, Venice, who was always by her side. She is also survived by her brother William “Bill” and sister-in-law Judy Brian, sister Martha Brian, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she held dear to her heart. Cathy also leaves many dear friends.

Cathy's life was marked by love and loss, as she honored the memory of her late husband Ali Kinte and late daughter Mia Kinte with grace and strength. A woman of many passions, Cathy found joy in baking, cooking, and exploring new restaurant venues alongside her faithful sidekick-sister, Martha Sue. She was an avid reader and loved the Hallmark Channel and the soulful tunes of Motown music. She loved to winter in Venice, FL, where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Her time in Venice was spent going to the Jetty, frequenting her favorite restaurants, enjoying the Venice Theatre and hosting dinners and visits with so many friends.  She cherished memories of her travels to Tijuana and Ensenada, remembering her California days that were made up of; road trips down the coast, rotisserie chicken, listening to the traveling mariachi players and shopping on the streets of Mexico. A true entrepreneur, Cathy left her mark on the world through her ventures that included; owning Tiffany Mortgage Co., Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor and being part-owner of Broadview Christmas Tree Farm. But above all, Cathy's greatest joy was found in her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she showered with love and homemade treats. Her quiet generosity and financial acumen touched many lives, often without people realizing the efforts she put in. Cathy's dream was to celebrate her 70th birthday in Las Vegas with close friends and family. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, her kindness and her unwavering love for family and friends.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Broadview Christmas Tree Farm in Highland, MI. on Friday, May 3rd, from 4-8pm, and Saturday, May 4th, from 3-4:30pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 4:30pm. Dinner will be served following the service.

In honor of Cathy's memory, donations can be made to; Dawn Farms, Ann Arbor, MI.,  Legacy Outdoor Adventures, LOA, Utah and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Venice, FL; institutions that were close to her heart.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.