Evangeline Ritz

Mae Ritz wasn't happy unless those around her were. She was constantly helping, nurturing, and working, with a tireless ethic and a limitless love. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, and a friend to so many over the years. Most of all, Mae was a woman who gave all she had, with all that she was, for all of her days.

Mae's story began on a warm spring day in 1925, in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Those were hopeful times in this country, as America celebrated the heyday of the Roaring 20s, when Big Bands were king and Prohibition the law of the land. America held so much promise for so many, particularly for Michael and Hilwee (Yared) Howard, immigrants from the area of Syria which is now part of modern day Lebanon. On May 2, the couple celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Evangeline Mae.

"Mae," as she would be called throughout her lifetime, was one of nine children in the big family, which called the city's west side home. Mae's father was in the grocery and produce business, while her mother stayed at home to care for their large family. Growing up during the tough times of the Great Depression, however, everyone in the family had to do their part, and Mae had her share of chores to do around the home.

The close-knit family did much together, mostly revolving around activities at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, where they were faithful members. The church was a spiritual hub and the center of many Orthodox families' lives in the area, and Mae was a faithful attendee her whole life, an integral part of who she was.

Mae attended Fairview Elementary School, before going to Union High School. To help make ends meet during the Depression, Mae also worked after school at the hockey stadium near their home on the west side. After graduating from Union in 1938, Mae found a clerical job at Imperial Furniture Company, utilizing the skills she learned in high school.

Mae stayed at Imperial for a few years, before taking a similar position with Family Foods grocery store in the city. She enjoyed Family Foods, and would remain working in the office there for 28 years.

In 1942, Mae's father sadly died, which put an enormous strain on her large family to make ends meet. Mae did whatever she could to help her mother and siblings, and the family became even closer as a result.

Eventually, Mae had a family of her own to consider, as well. One day her future brother-in-law introduced her to his friend, Allerd Ritz. After awhile, a romance developed between the two, and they were married in 1956.

The newlyweds settled on Richmond Street on the city's west side, where they would be blessed with three wonderful sons, David, Mark and Michael, who brought them so much pride and joy over the years.

Mae was a wonderful, caring mother, who gave her boys everything they needed, yet still found time to keep her job at Family Foods. She was very dedicated to her family, but also to her job, never missing a scheduled work day.

Mae was a beloved coworker, who made many close friends everywhere she went. She met Ruth Peterson while working at Imperial Furniture, and met Betty Paskewicz at Family Foods, two people who became lifelong friends to her.

After Mae "retired" following 28 years at Family Foods, she decided she missed working, so she took a very similar job with Meijer, working in the office.

Mae always had plenty to keep her busy, though. She loved to cook for others. She always remained close with her siblings and extended family with daily contact. With the combined cooking talents of Mae and her sisters, meals at gatherings were more like feasts.

In addition to caring for her family, Mae always had a beloved canine companion over the years. There was no mistake, either: the dogs were always "her" dogs! Another of her favorite hobbies was caring for her many plants, and she turned her home into a veritable greenhouse. She was also a fun-loving person, who also enjoyed going to the casinos, and playing the lottery hoping to make a wishful fortune.

Mae was the kind of woman who loved everyone and everything, though, such a happy, positive person, who always looked on the bright side of things. She loved to laugh, and to have a good time, with good friends, or especially her family.

After Mae "officially" retired, she spent more time babysitting her beloved grandchildren Elizabeth and Emilee, who she doted on endlessly. She always loved children, and in fact, she carried candy in her pocket for any little ones that crossed her path (and some adults too). Her grandkids were special to her, and she always made herself available when the grandkids were involved. Mae also loved to shop, and never failed to bring home a big bag of presents for her grandchildren.

As the years progressed, Mae's health declined, and she went to live with her son Mark for a time. When she began needing more assistance, she went to live at Northview Manor in October of 2006. Sadly, Mae died on Tuesday, April 17, 2007.

Mae was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of fun, faith and most of all, family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, who devoted her life to helping those around her, constantly working, helping, and caring. She gave us all that she had, and all that she was, all of her days. She will be so greatly missed.

Surviving are her children: David Ritz, Mark Ritz, Michael and Michelle Ritz; her grandchildren: Elizabeth and Emilee Ritz, her sister Nellie Howard, her brother-in-law Charles Vidro and many nieces and nephews. Mae was preceded in death by her siblings: Katherine and Harold Rasbach of Detroit, Eli and Polly Howard of Mt. Pleasant, Tackla Howard, Elizabeth and Najeeb Saba, George and Blanche Howard, Evelyn and John Kiryanoff and Mickey Vidro. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 A.M. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 LaGrave S.E. with Rev. John Winfrey, the Very Rev. John Estephan and Rev. Steve Van Bronkhorst officiating. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Ritz reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien - Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. where relatives and friends may meet her family Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. and where a Trisagion service will be held Friday evening at 8 P.M. She will also repose at St. George Church Saturday from 10 A.M. until the time of the funeral service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church would be appreciated. To read more of Mae's life, share a memory or picture or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com