We met over coffee and cookies Sundays after church. Just a little chitchat that became friendship. Then visits to her house, going to lunch, or bringing her a State Fair cream puff, when Evie couldn’t get to church.
Her humor and kindness were sometimes straight forward, but so infectious.
After I moved back to Colorado, we visited by phone. I enjoyed her stories of life at assisted living, how she slowly patiently coaxed several people out of depression, her antics at meal times to bring people together, usually with laughter. One summer she sat with a friend during her last weeks. The loss of friends was hard on Evie, but that didn’t keep her from forming friendships.
When Evie mentioned getting spaghetti sauce splattered on her favorite sweatshirts, I sent her an adult clothing protector (aka a bib). It was a hit, and others were wishing for one, yoo. I made lots of bibs for Evie to give away, as well as some for her for the holidays and for her beloved Packers. I sent more than one Packers bib, as they tended to “disappear” when laundered.
Evie missed her dog Buttons terribly. On almost every call,she expressed her wish for a dog, a little dog that could sit in her lap and go potty in a litterbox. So one birthday I sent her a puppy — one that barked and wagged its tail, but never needed to go potty. It only needed batteries.
Now our coversations included the antics of a little yellow dog that joined a pack of other quieter dogs. Everyday Evie lined up her pups in the window to look out over the tree tops. At bedtime, she tucked them in to sleep until morning. It was a delight to feel the joy she had caring for her little pack.
I’ll miss Evie — her kindness, her humor, and her zest for life,
~ Leslie Giordano,
Colorado Springs, CO
A loving,loyal friend-Tons of fun to be around-a joy to listen to her laughter! Great golfer, and a wonderful person. Will miss her a lot!!!!!!
~ Chris Wroblewski,
Wauwatosa, WI
