They were always holding hands.
That’s how family and friends remember Eileen and Gerald Rance, who died within a day of each other following an Independence Township automobile accident on Nov. 5.
The couple had been married for 61 years.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, at about 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5, the Rances were southbound on Sashabaw Road north of Stickney Road when a northbound vehicle driven by a 27-year-old Brandon Township man swerved over the centerline striking the couple’s vehicle head on.
Eileen, 82, was transported to McLaren Oakland Hospital where she died. Gerald, 82, the driver of the vehicle, died the next day at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital. The driver of the northbound vehicle was treated and released. A third vehicle was damaged by debris from the crash, but the 43-year-old Waterford Township driver was not injured. Alcohol was not a factor. All occupants were wearing seat belts.
An uninjured dog was located in the Rances vehicle and was picked up by the Oakland County Animal Control.
‘We can draw comfort they are still together,? said Denise Martin, 52, daughter. ‘They did not have to live without each other. I truly feel comfort in that.?
‘They met on a blind date,? she said. ‘After the third date he proposed’he left for the Navy and the Korean War soon after that. Mom and Dad exchanged many letters while Dad was serving. In one letter he thanked her for agreeing to become his wife.?
Gerald served in the Navy from Oct. 26, 1949 until Jan. 10, 1951 as a seaman recruit. The couple were married Jan. 2, 1953.
Eileen and Gerald were the dedicated and loving parents of Karen Plaza and Denise Martin (Sandro Calla). Proud grandparents of Mallory (Jason) Hunt, Ally Martin and Lindsay (Justin) Marchand. Caring great-grandparents of Rylee Hunt. Eileen was survived by sisters Irene Barkume, Marie (Joseph) Murphy and Genevieve Price.
Gerald retired from Delta Airlines as a reservation supervisor. He later worked for Indianwood Country Club where he cut greens.
‘Dad wanted to stop working at Indianwood, but they wanted him to come back each summer,? said Denise.
‘They adopted Winnie, a long- haired Chihuahua, about six months ago,? she said. ‘We did not realize Winnie was in the car when the accident occurred. Dad loved that dog’she was always on his lap. When Dad would go to the casino with the group from the Edna Burton Senior Center, Winnie would not eat or go outside. She’d wait until he got home. It really helped him deal with the stress of taking care of Mom.?
Eileen was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago.
‘It was hard for Dad to have the patience to care for Mom, but he did,? she said. ‘Her memory was bad’still, he was so loving. I lived nearby and told them everyday that I loved them. We did everything for my parents. That’s what a family means.?
‘Dad even planned out his funeral lunch, which featured Costco cheese and Miracle Whip,? laughed Denise.
Eileen and Gerald attended 5 p.m. Saturday Mass at St. Anne Catholic Church and were regular customers at Leo’s Coney Island in Clarkston.
‘The employees at Leo’s were just devastated by the news,? she said. ‘They were simple people that loved family.?
Judy and Chuck Pillion were long-time neighbors in Sashabaw Meadows Mobile Home Community of Gerald and Eileen.
‘Everyone that knew them loved them,? said Judy. ‘They were good people. I’d see them in the spring out planting flowers and we’d chat. If I went on vacation he’d check my mail. You really could not ask for better neighbors’ask anyone around, they’d tell you how good they were. It’s such a loss.?
On Nov. 14, a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Anne Catholic Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Southfield, MI 48033.