TRAVERSE CITY — Evelyn Edith Cork, 91, a homemaker of Traverse City, formerly of Detroit and Dearborn, died Dec. 23, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by members of her loving family. Born Nov. 20, 1920, in Detroit, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary E. (Bell) Tomlin. While at a dance, she was bumped by a young man named Lee Earl Cork. He later went to apologize to her and the rest, as they say, is history. They married on Nov. 23, 1939, in Dearborn. Evelyn was a lifelong Detroit Tiger's fan. In her younger years she enjoyed sports and especially enjoyed playing baseball. Evelyn was a volunteer at the Traverse City Senior Center for 14 years and an active member with the Grawn United Methodist Women's Club. She had the gift of hospitality. Everyone was welcome at her home and no one left hungry. She was a fantastic cook and was famous for her pinwheels, pie crust and coleslaw. Evelyn had an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. In her later years she also enjoyed reading. Above all else, she will be remembered as a wonderful mother who was devoted to her eight children and husband. Evelyn is survived by her children, Joanna (Richard) Cork-Grant, of Taylor, Nancy Hoshaw, of Houston, Texas, Gary A. (Suzanne) Cork, of Traverse City, Carol (Thomas) Peck, of Traverse City, Linda (Donald) Foster, of Riverview, Kenneth (Pam) Cork, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Larry Cork, of Traverse City; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.In addition to her husband, Lee, who passed away in 1984, Evelyn was also preceded in death by two sons, Lee M. Cork and James R. Cork; son-in-law, Marshall Hoshaw; granddaughter, Evelyn Emma Hoshaw; and three siblings, Ruth Cox, Shirley Holley and Russell Tomlin.Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, from 4 to 9 p.m., where the Cork family will receive friends. The funeral celebrating Evelyn's life will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at 11 a.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful nurses, staff and doctors at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for their outstanding care over the last three-and-a-half years, as well as the staff at Munson Medical Center for their tender care during Evelyn's last few days. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Heart Association or the Father Fred Foundation. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home.Please sign Evelyn's online guestbook and share memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .