Evelyn Chambers 1919 - 2005

By Jeannette Doud

Evelyn Chambers loved life and all that it had to offer. She now sees the beauty of heaven. There will be music, carols, and unimaginable delight as she enters the kingdom which God has prepared.

Evelyn Chambers, age 85, of Grand Marais, passed away Friday morning, March 11, 2005, on Mackinac Island at the home of her son, Edward Chambers (Nurse Ed) and his wife, Nona Tacey.

Born in Grand Marais, June 5, 1919, to Jennie and John Williamson, she was the oldest of three sisters and one brother. Her father was a career man, serving in the U.S. Lifesaving Service and Coast Guard for many years. Her parents were very proud of their Finnish heritage, as was Evelyn.

A graduate of Northern Michigan University, she later taught home economics. It was history repeating itself, as Evelyn soon followed in her father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, from 1942 to 1946.

A Mackinac romance began one summer, when Evelyn was employed at Grand Hotel. She met her future husband, Alfred
E. "Gunn" Chambers, and they married in 1946.

Gunn was an educator, serving in the southern Michigan cities, where the family made their home in Dearborn for many years. Evelyn became the proud mother of three healthy little sons, Edward, Daniel, and Patrick. A devoted wife and mother, she was a very happy homemaker. Being an excellent seamstress, much of her time was spent making clothes for her children. Following the death of her husband, she retired to Grand Marais and her family home on the shores of Lake Superior, so peaceful and beautiful.

Evelyn’s greatest ally was her courage, greatest beauty was simplicity, greatest joy was peace, and greatest fortune was her family and friends.

One of Evelyn’s greatest loves was her niece, Carol Williamson Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She would often say to me, "Carol is the daughter that I never had."

Owing to failing health, Evelyn recently returned to Mackinac in November, where she made her home with her son, Nurse Ed, and his wife, Nona, who gave her tender loving care.

When my brother, Gunn, became ill at their home in Dearborn, I went down to help Evelyn care for him. A loving sister-in-law, I will never ever forget the love and devotion she had for my brother.

Survivors include three sons and their families, Ed and Nona Chambers of Mackinac Island, Dan Chambers of Muskegon, and Pat and Audrey Chambers, also of Muskegon; a sister, Janice Borovsky of Detroit; a niece and her family, Carol Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. A memorial and graveside service will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, Friday, June 3, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bob Gardner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 322, Grand Marais, Michigan 49839. Burial will be in Rose Cemetery in Grand Marais, next to her husband and parents.

To Evelyn: I’d like to leave daffodils to mark my little way,

To leave but tulips, red and white, behind me as I stray.

I’d like to pass away from earth and feel I’d left behind,

But roses and forget-menots for all who come to find.

Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.