Mary Everista (Graham) Hommel went to be with our Lord on January 8, 2015. The long time resident of Midland was living in Chelsea, Michigan. “Evie” was the daughter of James Henry Graham and Mary Ellen (Sheridan) Graham. She was born on April 14, 1915 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
She met Maurice C. Hommel after his family moved to Windsor from Montreal, Quebec. They both worked and saved during the depths of the depression. They were married on October 28, 1939 and moved to Detroit. Evie was extremely proud of her new U.S. citizenship but retained strong ties to her Canadian heritage. They soon relocated to Bay City and then to Midland to be part of the newly formed Dow Corning Corporation. Evie raised six children and was very active in the growth of Blessed Sacrament Church and school. She was one of the very early members of the Newman Club, a Catholic women’s organization. Both Evie and her husband were active in establishing Regina High School. The Depression had made advanced education too costly in the Thirties but Evie always retained her desire for learning. While in her 60s, after the demands of raising six children finally diminished, she took time for herself to earn her Associates Degree from Delta College. She also began her work in retail sales at “the Hallmark” store, gradually decreasing her working hours as she and her husband spent more time in Myrtle Beach.
Everista was predeceased by her husband, Maurice C. Hommel, her brother Donald Graham, her daughter-in-law Judith Hommel, nephew Tony Graham, and her lifelong friend Frances Reaume. She is survived by her six children, Jacqueline (Jeff) Hartman, Penelope (Jim Bergman) Hommel, Ralph (Bonnie), John (Margaret), Mike, and Mark (Phoebe). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in Chelsea, Michigan at the Chelsea Retirement Community’s main chapel on Sunday January 11, 2015 at 1:00 pm, with visitation from 12 -1 pm. Burial took place at Midland Calvary Cemetery in Midland, Michigan on Monday January 12, 11:00 am. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea and Ware-Smith-Woolever in Midland.