Evelyn P. Conkling

CONKLING, EVELYN P. Evelyn P. Conkling 98, of Wallingford CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17th. She was the daughter of Joseph and Sophia Pardee of New Haven. She was predeceased by 4 brothers: Bruno, Leonard, Alexander and Theodore Pardee; and a sister, Helen Kennedy. Evelyn was the devoted wife of George J. Conkling Sr. for 57 years. He predeceased her in 1991. She was the loving mother of three children: 2 sons, George J Conkling Jr. of Middletown and John Vale Conkling of Old Saybrook, and a daughter, Helen Petrauskas of Wallingford. Evelyn was predeceased by two grandchildren, Mark S. Conkling and Kimberly Anne Price. She is survived by 7 grandchildren: Robert Conkling of Wallingford; Theresa Back of North Haven; Laureen Arens, Dawn Morris and Kathryn Perrault, all of Wallingford; Evelyn Price Fassett of Cheshire; and Elizabeth Cozza of Madison; and also her extended family, Jennifer Patterson and Steven Petrauskas. She is also survived by 16 great grandchildren: Anthony Conkling, Zackery, Erika and Joshua Back, Mathew, Michelle, Peter and Shawn Arens, Michael and Lindsay Morris, Karen and Dan Perreault, Michael and Evan Fassett and Joseph and Emily Cozza, Oliver Patterson and Alycia and Alexis Petrauskas. Evelyn graduated from Hillhouse High School and loved dance. She went on to become a "Rockette" at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. She was a member of the AGVA and performed with celebrities such as Ginger Rogers. After marrying, Evelyn became a dance instructor and also entertained in local nightclubs throughout New England. Evelyn was devoted to her family and loved to entertain on the holidays. She was an avid reader and loved to sew and do needlework. She also loved to watch her favorite TV shows "The Guilding Light," "The Price is Right" and Yankees Baseball. Evelyn was lovingly cared for at her daughter's home for the last 7 years. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitute to the staff of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care for their attentive and compasionate care of our mother. In accordance with Evelyn's wishes there will be no services. Burial will be private at St. Lawrence Cemetery. Donations can be accepted at: vitascharityfund.org