Eudene Marie (Paquin) McDowell

Eudene Marie (Paquin) McDowell, age 91, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on March 31, 2025, at the Evergreen Living Center. She was born on April 8, 1933, in St. Ignace, to Thomas and Electa (Becker) Paquin. Eudene grew up in St. Ignace where she was the oldest of twelve children and learned the value of hard work on the family farm. She began working at a young age as a prep cook, a role that would shape her career and life’s work. She married Sterling “Bud” Sorenson and together they began their family. She spent 50 years working at the Galley Restaurant, where she retired as a beloved cook. Throughout her years at the Galley, Eudene formed lasting friendships with her coworkers, who affectionately called themselves the “Galley Girls.” They continued to meet regularly for lunch, cherishing the camaraderie and memories of their time together. Eudene was a dedicated member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and was also actively involved in the Moose Lodge, where she made many dear friends over the years. Her faith and her community were a constant source of strength and joy in her life. Eudene was passionate about nature. Outside of her work and family life, she loved wildflowers, watching birds, and spending time outdoors picking morel mushrooms and strawberries. Camping was one of her favorite pastimes, as was listening to country music, which always seemed to make her dance—especially in her wheelchair, where she boogied with joy. As a cook, Eudene was legendary. She didn’t need a recipe; her meals, especially her mac and cheese, salmon patties, stewed tomatoes, baked beans and chop suey, were always in high demand. Her generosity extended to always feeding others, whether it was a family gathering or someone in need. She had a heart of gold and was known for her kindness, her infectious smile, and her ability to make everyone feel like family. Eudene found great joy in spending time at the casino and was a regular at bingo, where she could be found five days a week, always surrounded by friends. Eudene is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Gamble; son, Dennis Sorenson; daughter, Karen (Wayne) Steiner; daughter-in-law, Leone Sorenson; grandchildren, Kylie (Nolan) Miklusicak, Denny (Melissa) Sorenson, Tommy (Missy) Steiner, Bridgett Sorenson, Jimmy Sorenson, Shelly (Tom) Sabourin, Katti (Chad) Gouza, Misti Gamble, Jeffrey (Mikaela) Gamble; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Melvin Paquin; sisters, Marybeth Braley and Patricia Taylor; and sister-in-law, Bobbie Paquin. Eudene was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Sorenson; sons, James Sorenson and Steven Sorenson; her late husbands; Clayton McDowell, Sterling Sorenson and Leonard Trudo; parents, Thomas and Electa; siblings, Gary Paquin, Conrad (Vola) Paquin, Raymond Paquin, Thomas Paquin, Theresa (LaVern) Alexander, Mary Lou (Dick) Hanson, Shelby (Ken) Dickson and Paula (Vern) McCrory. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Eudene’s final resting place will be St. Ignatius Cemetery in St. Ignace Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Eudene to the Evergreen Living Center Activities Funds, 1140 N. State St. Building B Saint Ignace, MI 49781. Family Life Funeral Homes St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.

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Eudene Marie (Paquin) McDowell

April 8, 1933 - March 31, 2025