Della Mae Mc Ewan

Though she was quiet and calm, Della was also a source of constant support. Her friends and family knew that they could rely on her, and no matter what the circumstance Della always had her kindness and wisdom close at hand.

The 1910s was a decade of great change, both in the United States and abroad. It was during this time that radio programming first connected Americans to the latest news. Main stories of the day included the sinking of the RMS Titanic, Einstein’s formulation of the theory of general relativity, and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, an event that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of World War I.

As all these historical happenings unfolded, Frank and Mabel (Robertson) Cain of Newaygo County were busy raising their growing family. Their fourth child, Della Mae, arrived on September 28, 1913. Along with her brothers and sisters, Della grew up learning the importance of hard work. The Cain family pulled together during tough times, including when the Great Depression hit in 1929. Della was just an eight grade student at the time, and after finishing out the school year she decided to go to work. As a punch press operator at Hayes Manufacturing, Della helped support the Cain family income. Later, she left Hayes in favor of positions at R.C. Allen and Arlan’s Department Store.

Though she had left school at the age of about thirteen, it wasn’t until her eighteenth year that Della met the man she would marry. Della was introduced to Leonard Mc Ewan early in 1931, and it wasn’t long before they were deeply in love. Leonard was quiet and reserved just like Della. They both knew almost immediately that they were a good match. They had a simple, beautiful wedding just a few months after first saying hello.

Della and Leonard looked forward to settling down and beginning a family of their own. Della became a great, loving mother to all of her children. One of her favorite ways to show her love was through cooking. She made all sorts of complex recipes from scratch, though, ironically, her own favorite foods were very simple: popcorn and ice cream. As she watched her children grow, Della especially enjoyed the summer camping trips, Sunday rides, and travels up north and to the Wisconsin Dells. Della loved seeing new places. She had no favorite destination in particular though, for she felt at home whenever she was in the company of Leonard and the children.

Family time was always very important to Della, as was being a supportive friend to all the people in her life. It was they who, in return, supported Della when Leonard passed away in 1961. Della’s friends helped her get through this difficult time and they encouraged her to enjoy her retirement years. Della did explore her interests, like travel, taking trips to Montana, California, Florida, and North Carolina. She also became a member of Northview Seniors and remained active in the group for over twenty years. Della spent many years enjoying good times with her bowling league as well.

Though Della was quite active and had a wonderful time doing these things with her friends, she also liked to spend time at home. She would often listen to music, either tuning in to a country station or the sounds of Lawrence Welk. Sewing was another of her relaxing hobbies, and while she did make clothing, Della especially loved creating draperies and other pieces she could use to decorate her home. It was a home she shared with Tinker, a cocker spaniel that was her devoted companion for many, many years.

Throughout her life Della remained a true friend to all the people she knew, never failing to be there for the ones she loved. Della's friends and family will miss her loving presence greatly, yet they will always cherish the wonderful, unforgettable memories they created together.

Della Mae Mc Ewan, age 91, of Grand Rapids, died on Saturday, April 2, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard: her daughter, Patsy Weaver and an infant son, her sisters Lorene Harrison, Bernice Parks, and brothers Orville and Forrest Cain. She is survived by her children; John Mc Ewan, Peg and Louis Olthoff; 6 grandchildren: 7 great grandchildren: 7 great - great grandchildren: brother-in-law Charles Harrison and sister–in-law Ruth Cain.

A Life Story Service will be held on Monday April 4, 2005, 11:00 AM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van-Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave. NE, with Pastor Gary Klungle officiating. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. Please visit Della’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share your memories of her, sign her guestbook, or make a contribution online to St Mary’s Living Center, or Hospice of Michigan. The family would like to thank the staff at St Mary’s Living center for the last 5 years of loving care, and also the recent compassionate services of Hospice of Michigan.