Evelia “Evie” Permesang, age 89, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Born one of twelve children in rural Panama, Evie was sent to Panama City at age 13 to earn money for the family as a maid and restaurant worker. In her late 20s, she met a handsome young U.S. soldier working at the Panama Canal, and she and John were soon married. She came to the United States at 27 years of age speaking very little English. Their interracial marriage was illegal in over half of the U.S., but they settled in Michigan where it was allowed. John was the love of her life, and she mourned him deeply when he passed at age 58.
Evie was a force of joy whose passion for life was infectious. From dancing on stage during celebrations to teaching her grandchildren how to dance, she was a person in constant physical, spiritual, and emotional motion. She has been described as a “mother to all” as she embraced all children, took daily care of many, and joined them in play as a supervisor during recess at St. Francis de Sales Elementary School. A member of St. Francis de Sales for over 60 years, her faith was ingrained in all she did. In her last ten years, she struggled with dementia, but the disease never took away her loving essence.
Evie is survived by her children: Dawn Permesang, Mary Ann (Derek Emerson) Permesang, James (Kari) Permesang, Laura (Todd Turner) Permesang; grandchildren: AJ Garcia, Kyle Garcia, Kayla Garcia, Gray (Kim Jongsma) Emerson, Maria (Lee Villalpando) Emerson, Dov Emerson, Raissa (Matt) Turner, Haley (James) Bradford, Adria (Joe) Paggi, Gabi Permesang, Eli Permesang, Nicholas Turner; great-grandchildren: Scout Villalpando, Easton Turner, Ryo Garcia, Mason, Marlie, and Jordy Bradford; and siblings and extended family members in Panama.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Permesang, and grandson, Oliver Emerson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 195 W. 13th St. Holland. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. prior to the service, also at the church. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. www.langelandsterenberg.com
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