M. Evelyn Verstynen

M. EVELYN VERSTYNEN, 86 ROCKFORD - M. Evelyn Verstynen, 86, of Rockford died at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, at St. Anne Health Center. Born April 30, 1925, in Alexander City, Ala., to Leonard and Lillian (Daniel) Hatton. She was raised in Lake Alfred, Fla., and married Lambert Verstynen on Jan. 18, 1946, in St. Joseph rectory in Winter Haven, Fla. Eight children were born to lovely Evelyn, and she raised six of them. Evelyn was very talented, raising prize-winning roses, orchids and AKC black poodles. She was a great cook and seamstress. Hundreds of knitted and crocheted items flowed from her talented hands. She went to a ceramics class and eight months later, she was teaching ceramics. A gift of a doll started a 60-year collection of dolls. Over the years she was treasurer of Actronic Machine Specialties, member of St. Edward Senior Group, Legion of Mary, Blackhawk Orchid Society and many others. She loved to travel, yet her faith, her husband and her children were the focus and love of her life. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Lambert Charles Verstynen Sr.; daughter, Kathryn Lillian Verstynen, and sons Lambert Charles Verstynen Jr., Thomas Calvin Verstynen and Robert (Sara) Verstynen, all of Rockford; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Wilma Kelley; brother-in-law, John (Dorothy) Verstynen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; daughters Mary Wilma, Clara Mary and Cynthia Evelyn; son, Leonard Gerard; brother, Calvin Daniel; and sister, Emma Malloy. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 3026 11th St., Rockford. Entombment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, with a rosary at 7 p.m., at Anderson-Long-Klontz Funeral Home, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford.