Eva Mary Chaliman
Age 95, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025. Born June 7, 1930, in Lansing, MI, to Ukrainian parents, Wasily and Mary Chaliman. Eva lived almost her entire life in north Lansing, and as a child, especially enjoyed singing traditional folk songs and hymns with her family. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1948, in the top 10% of her class. Eva then went on to attend Lansing Business University and Grand Rapids Business University. As a young woman, Eva was attracted to fashion, color, design, and style. She enjoyed writing letters, themes, and poetry. Eva was also very fond of cooking and traveling, within the US and abroad. Over the years, Eva was employed by State Farm Insurance, Ingham County Probate Court as a Court Reporter, and Oldsmobile/GMC; and then spent 31 years working at the Library of Michigan. Eva’s Ukrainian heritage, her many dear friends, and her Orthodox faith were very important to her. In 1952, she was one of the original founding members of St Andrew Orthodox Church in East Lansing. Eva enjoyed two audiences with two patriarchs of the Orthodox Church in Russia.
Eva is survived by nieces, Jenny Lynn (Charles) Poor of Cedar, MI, and Cathy J (Gregory) Overway of Dewitt, MI; cousin, Pat (daughter of Walter Kornichuk) Johnston of Exeter, CA; many dear friends, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willie S Chaliman; nephew, William R “Bill” Chaliman; and niece, Carla M Bayne.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00pm, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at St Andrew Orthodox Church, 1216 Greencrest Ave, East Lansing, MI, followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church at 11:00am, prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to a Ukrainian relief charity of your choice. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.EstesLeadley.com.
Special thanks to the staff at The Willows at East Lansing for all of the popcorn and red wine, and for taking such good care of Eva over the past few years; and to everyone at The Care Team for the compassionate hospice care that she received in her final month.
