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Evelyn Elizabeth Gendron, age 99 of Alma, MI formerly of Dexter, MI passed away peacefully Monday, March 13, 2023, at Masonic Pathways. She was born February 29, 1924, in Oscoda, Michigan. Evelyn met David Gendron at a barn dance, where she “robbed” him from another girl. They fell in love and were married January 13, 1945, in Oakland, California just before David’s second deployment overseas. She held lifelong pride in David’s service in the US Navy Seabees and his WWII deployments in Japan and the Pacific Islands. At home, she contributed to the war effort by working at the Michigan Seamless Tube Mill, then retrofitted to manufacture vital war supplies. Later, David and Evelyn owned and ran the Gambles Hardware Store in Dexter, MI together. She worked as the secretary to the superintendent at Allegan Public Schools and was recruited for the same position at Three Rivers Public Schools, where she worked until her retirement.
She was a brilliant seamstress and was always up for learning and doing it herself instead of calling a handyman. Evelyn also played the piano and organ very well and kept an electric organ in her home throughout her life. She loved to play cards, and passed that love down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by playing with them often. Being with family was Evelyn’s greatest joy and she especially looked forward to hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas in her home.
Evelyn moved to Alma, MI in 2005, and embraced her new community. She enjoyed her volunteer work with the Friends of the Alma Public Library, and created homemade blankets and quilts for donation to children in need as part of the local chapter of The Linus Project.
Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Donna Fisher of Dexter; four granddaughters, Abigail Fisher, Georgia (Christopher) Guiett, Erin (Stephen Wakeling) Gendron, Megan Gendron; and six great-grandsons: David, Samuel, Paul, Peter, Elliot, and Graham. She was preceded in death by her son Thomas Gendron; husband of 52 years David Gendron; and brother, Ernest Thompson.
Per Evelyn’s wishes cremation has taken place with interment to be held at a later date in South Lyon Cemetery in her hometown. Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Evelyn’s memory may donate to the ASPCA (https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial). Evelyn loved animals and found her feline soulmate in her adopted orange cat Mr. Oz. Ozzie was Evelyn’s constant companion in her later years and they definitely shared a special bond.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Evelyn's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com
