R. Evelyn Yaney

WHITMAN R. Evelyn (Wales) Yaney, 97, a lifelong resident of Whitman, and an 11th generation descendent from the Mayflower, died Wednesday, Aug. 27. She was the wife of the late John P. Yaney. Born in Whitman, she was a daughter of the late Alfred B. and Jennie M. (Tower) Wales. Her heritage, however, traces back on both sides of her family tree and to two original Mayflower families that of Henry Samson and Edward Doty. Evelyn was raised in Whitman and was one of the last living graduates of the Whitman High School, Class of 1929. She worked as a clerk and cashier in what was once a Whitman landmark, the JJ Newberry Company. It was there she met John and they later married. She later worked in the office of the Regal Shoe Company during World War II, where she was proud of her accounting work there. Her supervisors tried many times to convince her to remain in her position. She had been a lifelong member of the All Saints Episcopal Church of Whitman, where her mother was a founding member. She was an avid reader and loved to travel. She enjoyed her needlework, her doll collection and her cats. She was a great fan of the Boston Red Sox and frequently attended games, with her son, of the farm league team, the Pawtucket Red Sox. She is survived by her son, John C. Yaney of Whitman; two special great-nieces, Patricia Delaney of Abington and Marcia Johnson of Easton; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and great great-nieces and great great-nephews. She was the sister of the late Della Tirrell, Helen Price and John, Albert and Douglas Wales. Her services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. in the All Saints Church, 44 Park Ave., Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 4-8 p.m. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 at the rotary), Whitman. Donations may be made in her name to the Altar Guild at the All Saints Church. For online condolences and directions, visit www.blanchardfc.com.