Evone Marie Aldrich, 93, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 20, 1930, in Traverse City, Michigan, to the late Columbus and Minnie (St. Charles) Couturier, Evone lived a life filled with joy and love. As a child, she dazzled the community by tap dancing on stage at the State Theater,, singing on the radio and was proudly crowned the National Cherry Festival Princess in 1937.
Evone attended St. Francis High School, where a blind date arranged by her best friend Phyllis led to meeting the love of her life, Eugene H. Aldrich. Engaged at 17, she wore her ring to school with pride, much to the dismay of the nuns. The couple was married on September 10, 1949, and together, they lovingly raised 10 wonderful children in a home full of faith, warmth, happiness and lots of food.
While raising her children, Evone entered the workforce and spent many years at The Cradle to Teen Shop downtown on Front Street, where her kindness and customer service became legendary.. Later, she went to work at Prange's and Younkers, where she continued to shine in customer service, learning new skills and helping others with the same care and attention. She won numerous retail awards for her dedication and and earned special trips for her exceptional service.
Evone was much more than a devoted wife and mother. She was a remarkable homemaker, creating delicious meals for her family, tending to her beautiful rose garden, and enjoying a good card game. Her love for singing never faded, and she graced the church choir with her beautiful voice, She loved to harmonize, singing proud and strong. She sang with Verna at the guitar mass for serveral years.
Her family, friends, and church community will remember her as a kind, loving woman who touched the lives of everyone she met.
She is survived by her children, Larry (Judith) Aldrich, Gary Aldrich, Tony Aldrich, Patricia (Steven) Gravelyn, Susan Aldrich, David (Lynda) Aldrich, Barb (Robert "Bob") Witkop, John (Karen Nelson) Aldrich, so many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, her siblings, Janet Fitzpatrick, John (Geraldine) Couturier, her son-in-law John Clouse, her best friend Phyllis and many other loving family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Eugene, her siblings Jean Ann Simsa, Richard Courturier, Patricia Courtuier, her beloved children, Mark Aldrich, Annette Clouse, and her grandson Michael Aldrich.
Visitation will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 5-7pm with a rosary prayed at 7pm. Mass will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Carmelite Monestary , Immaculate Conception Youth Group or Munson Hospice House. Kindly share thoughts and memoires with Evone's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .