Evelyn Regina (Jeske) Shelagowski passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus, with a smile on her angelic face and family by her side, on April 27, 2026, at Autumn House in Williamsburg, MI.

Evelyn was born in Kawkawlin, MI on February 1st, 1926, to the late Alex and Agnes (Staszak) Jeske. Evelyn married her loving Gene Shelagowski at St. Anne’s Church in Linwood on November 9, 1946. Gene preceded her in death on July 9, 1999.

Evelyn was a member of the D of I at St Anne’s church in Linwood.

She loved art! She started at the age of 9 and continued up until March 2026 and was amazing. She also loved music and played the accordion and harmonica. She loved to cook and bake and took great pride in it. Her homemade breads and pierogis were second to none!

She enjoyed a game or two of cribbage almost daily and beat everyone! Polka music or Holy music were always playing in the background. She had a strong faith in God and prayed the rosary daily. She loved her grandchildren, and they were a joy to her.

Her greatest times of joy were spending time with “my Gene” in the studio where she created the most gorgeous paintings and Gene did all the framing and matting. Her paintings are adorning homes all over the world. She traveled to the Tetons and Portland OR and NC for visits.

After the death of her loving Gene, she moved to Traverse City to be near her daughter and son. She was the very first resident at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons where Ray Minervini appointed her the Ambassador! Over the years she made many friends, walking the grounds daily and enjoying yoga. It truly was a village, they all loved her and she adored and loved them; they kept watch over her for 22 years. She was asked to do a video on the beautiful grounds called Whole Again.

The beauty in Mom reflected in her art and music and the way she treated everyone with unconditional love and respect. Her strong faith in God carried her through her entire beautiful life. She told everyone I’m 100 + 3 months!

When she was invited to perform in a talent show with her harmonica, staff asked her if she had a good time? Mom said it was the most fun I’ve had in 100 years! She never missed a beat. She was as bright as sunshine and always had a song in her heart.

Evelyn is survived by her children; Scott (Denise) Shelagowski, Jane (Wayne) Broderick, Ann Clark, and Neal (Deb) Shelagowski; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Lori, Scott, Brett, Bethany, Kelly, Tiffany, Evan and Gena; several great grandchildren, and special friends, Bobbi and Sue.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Josh Clark; sisters, Mary and Dorothy; brothers, Stanley, Chet, Pete, Dubbie, and Ben.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the awesome Autumn House in Williamsburg where she was cared for by compassionate and loving staff. Gratitude also to Bayside Hospice Care, NP Kitty and Trish, Chaplain Dan, and NP Bill and N Palliative Care, NP Nadia, as well as Christ the King Church.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.