Evelyn R. Dumouchel

Evelyn Dumouchel was an incredible woman, intelligent and articulate, caring and compassionate, strong and supportive. Her life was surrounded by so many successes, the rewards of a life lived to its fullest. Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and a light in the life of all who knew her. Evelyns story began on a hot summer day in 1922, after the fireworks lit up the night sky in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were good days in this country, times of peace and prosperity, during the dawn of the Roaring 20s and the Prohibition era. On July 5, 1922, Joseph and Ruby (Haviland) Gudelsky celebrated the birth of their only child, a baby girl they named Evelyn Rae. Evelyns dad was a sports promoter in West Michigan, as well as a restaurateur in Muskegon, while her mother cared for the family and helped out in the diner. Her parents were of proud English and Jewish decent, and they were very close to their extended family when Evelyn was growing up. They were especially close to Evelyns aunt (Rubys sister) and uncle, who owned a small resort near what is now the Maranatha Campground. During the summers when the resort had guests, Evelyn spent quite a bit of time at the resort helping out in the laundry, the kitchen, or the dining room, working hard to help wherever she could. When her chores were done, she and her cousins were free to go swimming or play on the grounds. Evelyn often spoke so fondly of her wonderful summers there. Evelyn attended Muskegon Public Schools, and eventually graduated from Muskegon High School in 1940. Diploma in hand, Evelyn went out into the workforce, and took an office job at a meat packing company. When Evelyn was a little girl, she made friends with the young boy across the street, a boy named Jim Dumouchel. He eventually moved away, but fate had more in mind for the two of them. He eventually returned to Muskegon, and reconnected with Evelyn, who had grown into a beautiful young woman. They began dating, but the clouds of war soon separated the couple again. The two were married on November 14, 1944, while Jim was home on leave in Muskegon. It was a very small ceremony, and following the wedding, they relocated to Ohio for a year, where Jim fulfilled his service. The couple returned to their hometown in 1946, and with a post-war housing shortage, they moved into a home on Isabella Avenue the home where Evelyn grew up. Her mother Ruby lived with them, and Evelyn lovingly cared for her mother the rest of her days, just as she did everyone around her. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, and especially, mother. Evelyn and Jim had three terrific kids over the years, first with their son James Lee, born in April of 1948, followed by Rae Marie in June of 1952, and John Edward rounded out the family in July of 1953. Evelyn was a simply amazing mother, and an unbelievable homemaker. She was a terrific seamstress, who made all of Raes clothes (and even patiently taught the skill to her five-year-old daughter!), and most of her own, as well. She could knit and crochet, sew and do fine tailoring, too. Evelyn was a wonderful hostess, gracious and giving, always articulate and funny. She orchestrated family dinners every Sunday, carefully planning the events around the important football schedule! She also knew about fine china, and managed elaborate affairs, as well. Evelyn was also an exquisite cook, a true magician in the kitchen, able to conjure delicious meals from thin air. She knew which potatoes made the best potato salad, and which were better for baking. She knew which apples made the best pie. Every summer, Evelyn and Rae made weekly trips to the farmers market for fresh, local produce, and she usually bought extra produce to freeze or can for winter. Starting in late spring, Evelyn made wonderful strawberry jam in old glasses and jars, and sealed on top with paraffin. She canned peaches, tomatoes, and much more. She would pit and freeze cherries to make Jims favorite pie, and every fall she made her delicious applesauce and cinnamon candies. She did it all graciously, effortlessly, and most of all, lovingly. Somehow, Evelyn found time to work outside the home, as well. Starting in 1957, she began working part time in the McLaughlin Elementary School library, so she could be close to her kids. That evolved into a full-time library job with the school district, at McLaughlin, Moon and Nims elementary schools. Later, she worked at the Muskegon Public Schools warehouse, assisting the district cataloguer with cataloging and distributing books to all of the buildings in the Muskegon Public School District Evelyn was patient, curious and kind, the perfect mannerisms for the job, and she enjoyed it greatly. She eventually retired in 1987, giving her more time to spend with her wide circle of friends from her church and her work, and of course, more time to spend with her beloved family. Evelyn was so enormously proud of the people her children became, and loved being a parent to adults and their families. She truly celebrated their successes with them, especially her two dear grandkids, and she cherished the moments she spent with them. In 1998, as her years progressed, Evelyn began having trouble with her memory, and she was soon diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. By the fall of 2000, it was clear she needed more care than her husband and her daughter could give her, and she was moved to Deboers Nursing Home on October 13, 2000. Due to the outstanding care she received from the staff there, her quality of life remained strong for the next five years, before her health declined further. Evelyns beloved husband never gave up hope that she would return to him one day, though sadly, Jims health began to fade, as well, and he died on December 15, 2007. Evelyn continued to recognize family for a few more months, and she would have been so thrilled to have a great-granddaughter named Evelyn. Evelyn died peacefully in her sleep in April of 2008, joining her beloved husband at long last. Evelyn was an incredible woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life fulfilled with so many successes. She was a caring and compassionate lady, strong and supportive, intelligent and vibrant. Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, but most of all, she was a gift to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Evelyn is survived by 2 sons, James (Jean) Dumouchel of Normal, IL & John (Danelle) Dumouchel of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Rae (Norbert) Izworski of Dearborn, MI; 2 grandchildren, Jerrett (Katy) Dumouchel of FL & Jody (Donald) Tutt of IL; 2 great grandchildren, Laura & Evelyn. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, James. Services are scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2008, 11:00 AM, at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Randall R. Hansen officiating. Visitation is Monday, at the church, immediately following the service. MEMORIAL: Alzheimers Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.