Catherine Elizabeth Michaels

Catherine E. Michaels, 58, of Oakland died unexpectedly at Inland Hospital on Feb. 26, 2011, after a brief illness. She is sadly missed by all who loved her.

Catherine was born on May 4, 1952, the first child of John R. Moon, Sr. and Margaret L. Shoemaker. She and her brother, John, born a year later, traveled the country extensively with their parents during the first five years of her life, until the family settled down in her mother's home town of Portland. In Portland, Catherine attended Nathan Clifford Elementary School, King Junior High School, and was a 1970 graduate of Portland High School. She went on to college at the University of Southern Maine.

Catherine worked for many years as a systems analyst for Maine Savings Bank in Portland, until that institution's demise in the 1980s. Thereafter, she continued her career in information technology with a software company in Fairfax, Va., and loved living in the greater Washington, D.C., area with all its many attractions. She finally settled in Oakland, when she obtained the position of manager, information systems at Inland Hospital. There she worked until her retirement about five years ago.

Among her many interests were spending time with her family and friends, and she became well known by everyone who met her as someone you could always count on for great conversation, guidance, and advice, and was always there with a ready smile and a helping hand. She also loved spending time with children, cooking for others, and visiting friends. Catherine loved animals, including her own golden retriever "Abby" and her brother's Lhasa Apso "Buddy." In recent years, she derived much pleasure from her involvement with her friends at Waterville Christian Fellowship. She especially enjoyed Operation Christmas Kids, which provided presents to children in need. Christmas was Catherine's favorite holiday, and she always volunteered at church to wrap Christmas gifts of others before and after services.

Catherine is survived by her brother, John R. Moon Jr., of Falmouth; her brother, James M. Rice, his wife, Jennifer, and children Sarah and Amanda, of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; her uncle, Terrance Shoemaker, and his wife, Charlotte, of Ocala, Fla.; her uncle, Roger Shoemaker, and his wife, Linda, of Windham; her uncle, Stephen Shoemaker, and his wife, April, of Old Wyke, N.J.; her cousin, Lisa Grear, and husband, Philip, of Naples, Fla.; her cousin, Shawn Shoemaker, and his wife, Jody, of Waterboro; along with dozens of extended family members. She was predeceased by her father, John R. Moon Sr., of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; her mother, Margaret L. Rice, of Falmouth and her step-father, Richard L. Rice; and her sister, Christine E. Rice, of Cape Elizabeth.

For those wishing to say a final farewell to Catherine, a special memorial service will be held by Pastor Jon Harding at Waterville Christian Fellowship at 34 Sanger Ave., Waterville, on Wednesday evening, March 2, at 7 p.m.

Arrangements by the Hobbs Funeral home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.