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Evelyn Easson Greenhill Gossard

Evelyn Easson Greenhill Gossard obituary, Eugene, OR

Evelyn Gossard Obituary

Evelyn Easson Greenhill Gossard

1929 - 2018

Evelyn Gossard died peacefully at home on April 12, 2018 of age related causes, surrounded by family. Her final days were spent filled with singing, prayers, and words of blessing from her family and dear friends. Though Evelyn loved life, she often said that she did not fear death, as she firmly believed the promise of an eternity spent with her Lord, Jesus Christ. Evelyn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jack Gossard who also eagerly awaits the return of Jesus Christ.

Evelyn Easson Greenhill was born on March 10, 1929 in Seattle, Washington to Alexander and Edith Greenhill. Raised in Seattle, as a young single she moved to California to start her career in San Francisco. On her trip south she was introduced to the dashing Jack Gossard who courted her long-distance for a year before convincing her of the merits of marrying him on August 23, 1952.

The newlyweds settled in Eugene, Oregon and immediately entered into community life, especially at Willamette Bible Chapel which was just laying the foundation for their new building at 33rd and Donald St in South Eugene. The church would continue to define much of Evelyn's life as she taught Sunday School, helped lead the youth program, served as the Librarian, and church Secretary for the next 65 years.

Evelyn and Jack welcomed their first child, son Paul, in 1960, followed quickly by Andrew, Marcia and John. In spite of 4 very busy, active children, Evelyn still found time to be a consummate homemaker and hostess. She loved welcoming people into her home. Looking back through the years, the guest books she kept noted hundreds of overnight guests and many thousands who sat for meals around the Gossard family table. She had a special love for foreign students, with many years spent as a host family for U of O students from all over the world. She spent decades as "the soup lady", each week making a huge pot of delicious soup to share at the ISI foreign student luncheon on campus. Evelyn also had a heart for women in the church and the community. She spent many hours preparing and teaching women's Bible studies. Many women around Eugene today count Evelyn as a "spiritual mother" from her years of nurturing and discipling.

Evelyn took joy in sharing recipes, teaching others how to bake, can and sew. Her children, male or female, were equally taught how to cook, mend clothing, and keep house. They have many memories of summer fruit picking trips to Seavey Loop (often involving tossing rotten fruit at each other!) followed by hours of prep and canning. She also delighted in reading to her kids when they were young, and nurturing their love of words, curiosity and learning. A phrase she spoke often was, "Let's get the dictionary/encyclopedia and look it up."

Evelyn was a lifelong learner with wide ranging interests, enjoying continuing education classes at the U of O, and a voracious reader of history and biographies. In later years she and Jack enjoyed traveling to many places in the world that she had often read about: Israel, Turkey, all over Europe, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia.

Evelyn might be best remembered by others for the notes that she often sent. She rarely forgot a birthday or anniversary. She was especially quick to jot off a note of encouragement and thanks, finding something to praise in every effort of others. Many persons have such notes saved and treasured through the years as they always seemed to arrive at just the right moment.

Evelyn will live on through her words of teaching and encouragement, and through the family that she dearly loved. She especially delighted in time spent with her grandchildren, never tiring of yet another reading of "Wednesday is Spaghetti Day." She is survived by her husband, Jack Gossard, brother Lawrence Greenhill, son Andrew (Stephanie) Gossard, daughter Marcia (Peter) Lyons, son John (Shula) Gossard, grandchildren Sophia (Tanner) Wendlandt, Anna, Lewis, Eliana and Isaiah Gossard. She is predeceased by her oldest son, Paul (Cindy) Gossard.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, April 28, 1:00pm at Willamette Bible Chapel, 3290 Donald St.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Apr. 22, 2018.
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4 Entries

Such a beautiful life she had... She reached out to so many. She was such a special blessing to my Mother, Daisy Perdue and I will always remember Evelyn for her genuinely sweet spirit and love for the Lord Jesus..

Gale Perdue-Kennedy

May 6, 2018

We extend our sincere sympathy in the homegoing of Evelyn, with many wonderful memories looking back over the years. What a beautiful picture and obituary! Love and prayers, Jim & Evelyn Hunt.

May 3, 2018

I had the privilege of knowing Evelyn and served with her on the Eugene Christian School Parent Teacher Fellowship. She was a very kind and gracious woman. I was a young mother at the time and wanted to strive to be like her. She was a fine example of a Godly woman.

Fred & Meladie Kallien

April 28, 2018

My sincerest of sympathy and empathy go out to the Gossard family at the loss of your loved one, Evelyn. May God give you his tender mercy. Rom. 8: 38, 39.

Frankie W.

April 23, 2018

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