Evelyn Marie Melnik

ADRIAN – Evelyn Marie Melnik, 97, peacefully entered God’s Kingdom on September 8, 2022 at Brookdale Senior Living in Adrian, Michigan with family at her side. Evelyn was born January 23, 1925 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Joseph and Clara Gruschow. She had four siblings, Bena, Catherine, Rollin and John. Evelyn graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1943. During high school she worked at Kresge’s soda fountain in Ann Arbor where she waited on Tom Harmon and the Wistert brothers as well as other Michigan Wolverines. She had a hearty “Go Blue!” for you on Game Days and loved living in Ann Arbor. Evelyn was employed by King Seeley in the 1940’s and trained women building triggers for weapons during WWII. Evelyn was a true “Rosie the Riveter”. Evelyn met Harry Melnik, a Marine veteran, at a dance at Whitmore Lake in 1950; and they were married on October 20, 1951. Evelyn spent many years working the cosmetic counter at Muir Drugs in Adrian. Mom and Dad enjoyed over 50 years together raising their children, growing vegetables, boating, and doing a lot of fishing. After retiring they loved traveling in their camper and their motor home. They enjoyed the Everglades at Port of the Islands RV Park until Harry passed away in 2003 from pancreatic cancer. Fishing was the main event at the Everglades and the family enjoyed many fine fish fries there. Mom loved Florida, her “snowbird friends” and warm winters so much that she continued to winter independently in Florida until 2020 when, at age 95, she broke her hip. Evelyn is survived by her four children, Catherine (Jack) Berman, Stephen (Maribeth) Melnik, Robert (Cindy) Melnik, and Thomas (Jeri) Melnik. Evelyn was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Gordon, Greg, and Alex Berman, Kacey Melnik, Katie Cauley, Nathaniel Melnik, Abby Falk, and TJ Melnik. Evelyn has 7 great grandchildren so far: Cedric and Naomi Berman, Lucas, Dominic, Nicholas, and Audrey Cauley, and Mirren Melnik. The family would like to thank the Brookdale Assisted Living staff for the care and the love that Mom received; they would also like to thank Hospice of Lenawee for their support during Mom’s last few days. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Adrian, with Fr. Michael Newman, O.S.F.S. presiding. Contributions in Evelyn’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Evelyn Marie Melnik

January 23, 1925 - September 8, 2022