Evelyn Marie Verschaeve was born May 21, 1928, to Frank LeBlanc and Lucy Johnson in Detroit, and died March 3, 2025, in Traverse City. She was married to Charles Verschaeve in 1948 who preceded her in death in 2020 after 72 years of loving marriage. Evelyn is survived by her children: Rev. C. Michael Verschaeve, Christine Tarr (Gerard), Brian Verschaeve (the late Vicki), Yvonne Segal (Jerry), Suzanne Nixon, Annie Bilbrey (Clint), Charlene Verschaeve, Joseph (Elizabeth Chapelle) Verschaeve, 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, her sister, Janet Lampron (the late Edward), and several nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her son, Louis (Leslie) Verschaeve, who died tragically of an ice fishing accident on Lake Huron in 2010.
Evelyn was very proud of her French-Canadian heritage and had fond memories of her upbringing in Detroit. She attended St. Gabriel and Assumption Grotto Grade Schools and Nativity Girls High School. In her youth she enjoyed dancing, music and playing the piano. Evelyn remained close to her sister, Janet, and was a favorite among her sisters-in-law. She always wanted a large family, and once married to her sweetheart, Charlie, she became a devoted mother and homemaker. Evelyn was a great cook, especially preserving and preparing the produce and meats that came from Charlie's fields and barns. She was devoted to her faith and was involved in parish life through altar societies, service projects, and the Christian Family Movement (CFM).
During their marriage, Evelyn and Charlie took care of their aging mothers in addition to raising their growing family. Together they constructed five family homes located in Macomb County, Lake Orion and lastly in Maple City. This fulfilled Charlie's dream of settling the family on a farm in the rolling hills of Leelanau County. In their retirement years, Evelyn and Charlie enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama and Clearwater, Florida. She loved to read and enjoyed playing pinocle, euchre, and Scrabble almost to the end of her life.
The family will receive visitors at St. Francis Church, Traverse City on Saturday, March 8th at 10:00 AM. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00 AM. In the lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Evelyn's memory can be made to the Fr. Fred Foundation or the charity of one's choice.