Evelyn Mann

Evelyn Josephine Mann had a ready smile and a heart to match. She loved people and was eager to use her talents to make others happy. To Evelyn, the most valuable investment anyone could make was in the life of another person. She demonstrated what she believed through countless volunteer hours in her community and through unquestionable devotion to her family.

In the 1920s while the world was rallying back from the devastation of World War I, people were clinging to hope and happiness as they worked hard to rebuild and move forward. Millions across the globe saw America as a place of freedom and hope, and they came in droves to build new lives in a new land. Cornelius and Josephine (DeYoung) VanDyke were two such brave souls from the Netherlands. They settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in time Cornelius owned and operated a dairy. Josephine was a homemaker and dedicated her time to raising their children, one of whom was Evelyn Josephine.

Evelyn was born on September 17, 1922. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Evelyn was close to her siblings. They often spent holidays on Camp Lake and later at Little Switzerland Resort & Campground on Pickeral Lake in Newaygo. It was here that Evelyn continued to grow her enjoyment of outdoor activities like ice skating and tobogganing, but she never learned how to ride a bike. Evelyn attended Union High School in Grand Rapids and was a member of the Aurora (yearbook) Staff and the Spanish Club. The VanDykes were members of the Quarry Avenue Baptist Church.

Evelyn had a childhood friend named Pearl Sherman. It was through Pearl that Evelyn met a fellow named Garth Mann. They fell in love and started their lifelong journey of building a home and a family together. After their wedding, they moved into a home at 903 Crosby NW and later to 1025 Dorroll NE. They were blessed with their first child, Garth C., Jr., in 1942. About four years later, they welcomed a daughter, Merry Sue. Evelyn stayed home with the children and managed the home while Garth provided for the family through his job with the Grand Rapids Herald and later the Grand Rapids Press. The Manns joined the Second Congregational United Church of Christ. Evelyn served faithfully in the church for many years as a member of the Pilgrim Guild and also the Funeral Committee.

The family liked to travel and was able to see most of the United States. So many hours in the car sharing the awe-inspiring sights of the country did much to build the bond among them. They were thrilled to visit the VanDyke's homeland and their trip to the Netherlands was one of their favorite memories. They spent some time in Florida and after they retired, Evelyn and Garth continued to visit the warmer corners of the country in the west and the south.

Evelyn was never idle and stayed busy with hobbies, friends, and service activities. She volunteered in the gift shop and mini-market called Manor Mart at Pilgrim Manor retirement community for years and also did some mending for them. Her heart was happiest when she was helping others. At various times in her life, she was a member of a bowling league, a card club, and the Grand Rapids movie club with her husband. She liked craft shows and enjoyed reading a variety of materials, especially if she could grab a good book with a cup of black coffee and a nice slice of chocolate cake or a few pieces of Dutch licorice. She liked to cook and her chili was popular with the family. Among her favorite possessions were her owl collection, Grandma Mann’s hand painted china, and especially Merry Sue’s paintings.

Sadly, Evelyn lost her husband Garth in 1992. Her loneliness was heavy, but she took comfort in her loved ones and her activities at church and at Pilgrim Manor. She remained in her own home until she moved to The Village of Heather Hills in late 2014. Her friends and family will miss her, but she does not leave them empty-handed. They knew how much each and every one of them meant to her, and the memory of her devotion to her family will continue to influence them for years to come.

Evelyn died at Heather Hills on June 15, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garth C. Mann, Sr. Evelyn is survived by her children, Garth (Sue) Mann, Jr. and Merry Sue Mann; grandchildren, William (Tracey) Mann, Michael Mann, and Roxann (Ken) Bird; and great-grandchildren, Cynthia Mann, Christopher Mann, Andrew Mann, and Ellie Mann. Also surviving is her sister, Nancy Manning; and sister-in-law, Pat Mann.

A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Second Congregational Church, 525 Cheshire NE, with Rev. Peter St. Martin officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family during the hour prior to the service. Contributions in Evelyn's memory may be made to Second Congregational Library Fund or Memory Garden Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign the online guestbook.