Cathy Jo Anderson

ISHPEMING, MI - Cathy Jo "Shorty" Anderson passed away peacefully in her home on August 5th, 2025.

Born March 29th, 1956, in Ishpeming, Cathy was the daughter of Lyle and Helen (Young) Anderson. She grew up in Negaunee with six siblings and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1974. In 1977, she married the love of her life, Lee Bushong, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Together they built a family filled with laughter and love.

Cathy's proudest role was being a mom to her three daughters, Amy, Stacy, and Michelle. She was their biggest fan, always there for the biggest events, smallest moments, and everything in between. She loved playing softball for the Ishpeming Merchants and spending time at the beach playing volleyball and barbecuing with her friends and family.

Her daughters and grandchildren remember kitchen concerts with pots and pans, cozy nights watching Christmas shows (any time of year), and playing board games. Whether it was a special holiday, special occasion, or just your average Tuesday, you always felt at home in her house.

Later in life, Cathy found purpose in caring for others as a Certified Educated Nurses Aide, working at MCMCF and Mather Nursing Home until retirement. She was also very fond of road trips across the U.P. with her two sisters Lois and Linda, who always had a knack for getting Shorty out of the house (it wasn't always easy).

Her heart belonged to her three girls and their beautiful families, and of course her Lil' Buddy. Her faithful companion and the sweetest beagle, who was always there to keep her company while sharing potato chips and watching her game shows.

She is survived by her daughters, Amy Paulson, Stacy (Nathan Sr) Argall, and Michelle (Michael) Nardi; her grandchildren, Jordan (Luke) Gustafson, Michael (Chantel) Paulson, Nathan Jr (Faith) Argall, Luke (Tianna) Argall, Ashleigh Argall (Cameron Snell), Amanda Argall (Bryce Vickstrom), Landen Nardi (Katelyn Myhren), Wyatt Nardi, Reece Nardi, and Brody Nardi; her great grandchildren, Gabriel Paulson, Jordan Paulson, Tyler Argall, Carmen Argall, Freyja Argall, and Sophie Argall; her siblings, Lois Jandron, Linda (Darrel) DeMasters, David (Judy) Anderson, Brian (Vicki) Anderson, and Dennis Anderson; in addition, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Helen Anderson, her brother James "Jimmy" Anderson, her son-in-law Michael P. Paulson, and her beloved Lil' Buddy.

A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at the Ely Township Hall, on August 23rd, at 2:00pm.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzulkie.com where family and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Cathy Jo Anderson, please click here to visit our sympathy store.