Obituary for Beverly Ann (Sandborn) Fedewa

Beverly Ann (Sandborn) Fedewa, passed away on August 14, 2022 after a long, blessed life. Bev was a wonderful mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Vern Fedewa, and by their son, Chuck Fedewa. Bev was born on March 4,1932 to George and Norma (Atwell) Sandborn. A lifelong resident of Portland, she spoke often of growing up in her large, happy family and of her years attending school. She and Vern were both graduates of Portland High School Class of 1950, and they stayed connected with their classmates throughout the years. They married on July 5, 1952 and, after Vern completed his military service, raised their seven children, teaching them with words and examples, attending their many school activities, and going on many family road trips. Bev was an active member of the Portland community, volunteering with the Girl Scouts, at local blood drives and elections, and at both St. Patrick’s Church and School, where, along with her friends, she co-organized the St. Patrick’s Fall Festival. She was a lifelong reader; her children and grandchildren attribute their love of reading to her. She gave her grandchildren books as Christmas gifts, and family discussions often begin with “What are you reading?” It was no surprise when Bev stepped in to serve as librarian at St. Patrick’s for many years. In addition to reading, Bev loved to spend time at Cowden Lake, watch sports, go to the casino, cross-stitch, work jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and bake, including assorted Christmas cookies that she gave to family and friends as gifts. Bev played Yahtzee and cards, and she and her friends formed a monthly bridge club that met for decades. Bev and Vern traveled extensively throughout the U.S., visited Europe and went fishing in Canada. In retirement, they wintered in Gulf Shores, Alabama. When Vern passed away in 1998, Bev was fortunate to have her sister, Mary, as a companion and friend with whom she could continue to travel and be active.

In addition to Vern and Chuck, Bev was preceded in death by her parents and Vern’s parents, Adam and Elisabeth Fedewa. The family also mourns the recent death of Bev’s son-in-law, Larry Albaugh. Additionally, Bev was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Bill Sandborn, Bud (Diane) Sandborn, Jackie (Billy) Whitfield, Janean (John) West, Norma Kay (Carroll) Hill, Mary Sandborn, Gary Sandborn, and Chuck (Kathy) Sandborn; and her in-laws: Bill (Vivian) Fedewa, Jim Haas, and John Hansen. She is survived by her brothers: Steve (Gerry) Sandborn and Jim (Brenda) Sandborn; and by her in-laws: Patty Sandborn, Ellie Sandborn, Jeri Gardner, Nancy (Jerry) Meade, and Mary Beth Hansen.

Bev was cherished, and will be dearly missed, by her children: Stef and Richard Imgrund, Mike and Linda Fedewa, Sharon Albaugh, Anne and Ed Schmidt, Patti and Joe Kreke, and Jennifer and Bill Schick; and by her grandchildren: Jason (Erin), Anna (Will), Lisa (John), Joe (Abby), Michael (Megan), Matt (Cat), Christina (Jacob), Ben (Emily), Rebecca (Colin), Richie, Jake, Geoff (Clare), Michael, Mary (Larry), Katie, Mary, Joanna, Lisa, Jessica, Tommy, Allie, and Joey; she delighted in watching you grow up and visiting with you and her 33 great-grandchildren. Bev leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her warm smile, practical advice, and wonderful sense of humor. She wants us all to behave because she always did (wink-wink).

The family thanks Kelly Grys, Keristin Hetherington, Courtney Shafer, and the entire staff at Country Living and Ionia Area Hospice, for their friendship and care for Bev. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to St. Patrick’s Father Flohe Fund, the Portland (MI) District Library, or a library of your choice.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2022 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Friday. There will be a rosary prayed at 1:30 p.m. and a prayer service held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.