Betty Evans

Evans, Betty
Betty Evans, a long time Greenwich resident, passed away February 5th, 2013 at her home. She was surrounded by her two children; Jackie Quillen and Bart Loomis, five grandsons; Parker, Whitney and Bart Quillen and Landon and Dodd Loomis, and her dear friend and caring attendant of 24 years, Michael Cantero. She died peacefully at the age of 89. Betty was born, on November 22nd, 1923 in Rockhill, South Carolina and her childhood was spent in Great Falls, Virginia. In 1942 she began working with the Coordinator of Information (COI) in Washington D.C., America's first central intelligence organization, later renamed the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), where she remained throughout the war. Here she met Dr. William Farnsworth Loomis, whom she would later marry after his deployment to China. They raised three children together in Greenwich, CT where the importance of education and travel was heavily emphasized. Every summer, Betty and "Farney" enjoyed taking their children on European and Asian expeditions. Later, in 1977, Betty married financier, Thomas Mellon Evans, of Pittsburgh, PA. They lived on Round Hill Road in Greenwich, CT and shared a passion for thoroughbred horse racing. They bred a number of stakes winners at their Virginia property Buckland Farms, including the 1981 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, Pleasant Colony. Betty and Tom were also active philanthropists. Together they were supportive ofThe Isabel O'Neil Foundation, The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, The Point Foundation, The Bruce Museum, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, The East Hampton Library, The Madeira School, The Round Hill Community Church, The Whitney Museum, The New York Botanical Gardens, The Ladies Village Improvement Society of East Hampton and the National Gallery of Art. Betty was a skilled flower arranger and won many prizes. She belonged to the Greenwich Garden Club and the Garden Club of East Hampton where, since 1945, she spent her summers. She also was on the flower committee of the Colony Club in New York. She had an avid interest in collecting paintings, furniture andwine. She loved all things canine, and her beloved Mini was with her at her death. She was known for her beautiful parties, filled with interesting guests andexquisite wines. Her family and friends will miss her marvelous intelligence, extraordinary grace, natural elegance, and unforgettable charisma.
A service celebrating her life will be held at the Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich CT at 11:00am on March 9th, 2013with a reception following at The Field Club of Greenwich, 276 Lake Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (arfhamptons.org).