Gerane Katherine Mcewen

McEwen, Mrs.

Gerane Katherine

Muskegon, Michigan

Gerane Katherine McEwen, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2023. Born in Kaleva, Michigan on March 30, 1934, she was the oldest daughter of Helmi and Waino Piirainen. Gerane and her sister and mom lived a hardscrabble life following the early death of her father. But that did not deter Gerane from graduating from Muskegon High School and going on to attend Muskegon Business College where she excelled at math and accounting. When Gerane was a young woman, she met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" McEwen with whom she would spend the next 69 years. They married January 22, 1954 during Dick's time in the Army. Together they raised four boisterous boys. As was typical during those days, Gerane stayed at home to take care of the children until their youngest was in later elementary school. She then employed her skills working at Bectel's pharmacy, Hosler's Clothing Store, and for the family's company Mac-Jac Downriggers. While working at Mac-Jac she also designed, manufactured, and sold her own brand of picnic boxes. Gerane had a keen intellect and a lifelong curiosity to learn about people and the world. She possessed a tremendous warmth and the attention she gave to people made everyone feel loved and welcome. Outside of work and family, she was an active member of First Congregational Church of Muskegon where she sang in the choir and was instrumental in creating and organizing the Saturday morning community breakfasts. She was a P.E.O. sister, an accomplished pianist, lover of nature and birds, an amazing cook, and had an incredible affinity for, and rapport with, children of all ages. Her gentle, generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dick, sons Scott (Norma), Don (Carla), and Jon (Amy); grandchildren Lee (Mia) McEwen,, Lauren (Michael) Mooney, Robert McEwen, Michael McEwen, and Mitchell McEwen; step grandchildren John, Maddie, and Katie Pascarella; great grandchildren Aila and Kaia McEwen and Thomas and Ronan Mooney; nieces and nephews Susie Butrick and Bob (Laurie) Butrick; as well as many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Jeanine Butrick, son Thomas McEwen, grandson Kenneth McEwen, and niece Kathy Butrick.

SERVICE

Friday, June 23, 2023, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church UCC with Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating.

VISITATION

One hour prior to the service at church. MEMORIAL: In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to First Congregational Church Saturday Breakfast Fund or Every Woman's Place. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.

to view a live stream of the memorial service please click on the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa-Oc6JA3mA

Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon