Catherine “Katie” Woolsey (Hauck)

Woolsey (Hauck), Catherine "Katie"

98, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Born August 30, 1927, in Jackson, Katie lived her entire life in the community she loved, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, competitive spirit, and unwavering devotion to family.

Katie was a 1946 graduate of Jackson High School and worked as a professional secretary. Though small in stature, she was fierce and mighty, with a spirit that filled every room she entered.

Her generosity knew no bounds. Katie's home was always open, her refrigerator abundantly stocked with candy, pop, and beer for anyone who stopped by. She gave freely of her time and gifts, but nowhere did her generosity shine brighter than at Christmas. Despite her playful teasing that "next year will be smaller," there were always gifts as far as the eye could see—each one tightly wrapped and impressively well-taped, a testament to her meticulous care. Her insistence on over-the-top family Christmas gatherings created memories that will be cherished for generations.  Katie was immensely competitive, a trait she proudly passed on to her children and grandchildren. She never let anyone win—not even the grandkids—at Euchre, Uno, board games, or Wii Bowling. Victory had to be earned, and that made every win against Grandma Katie all the sweeter.

Katie is survived by her children: sons Thomas Woolsey and Michael (Ellen) Woolsey, and daughter Diane (Melvin) Mills. Her grandchildren, the joy of her life: Jennifer (Kevin) Bristol, Sister Faith Marie "Emily" Woolsey FSE, Adam (Meghan) Woolsey, and Caitlin (John) Conte. Her great-grandchildren: Garrett, Mariah (Silas), Lottie, Robert Jay "RJ", Iris, and another little one she joyfully awaited.  Her loving nieces and nephews: Peggy Tate (Bill), Steven Hauck, Dan Hauck, Patty (Mike) Allen, Juanita Madden, and Aleaha Helms. Also survived by caring neighbors who became dear friends: Irene Brinkle (Greg), Bill and Karen Duncan, and Kim and Kristi Bowen.  Katie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jay Woolsey; their infant daughter Mary Ann; her parents Edward and Nellie Hauck; her brothers Ed and Bill Hauck; and her sister Helen Farnham.

Her family wishes to express special thanks to Henry Ford Hospice for their exceptional care and to Dr. Lynn VanWagnen for his many years of compassionate care to both Jay and Katie.

As per Katie's wishes, the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 12:00 Noon with Fr. Randy Koenigsknecht officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery at 2:30 PM, where she will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, her husband Jay.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Wednesday, November 5 from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lumen Christi Girls Cross Country program, as Jay and Katie got so much enjoyment following the Lady Titans through the years; Henry Ford Hospice; St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church; or any charity of your choice.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years