Evelyn "Shevy" Baillie

1925 - 2021

Evelyn "Shevy" Baillie

Westwood - Evelyn "Shevy" Baillie, of Westwood, NJ, was born in Newark, NJ in 1925 to Isabella and Edward Kaiser and died February 13, 2021. She was raised in Kearny, NJ, with her sister, "Babe," during the Great Depression and World War II but remembered her childhood and teen years with fondness. Evelyn graduated at the top of her class from Kearny High School at age 16.

She married William Baillie from Kearny and raised her four children in Paramus, NJ, where neighbors became family and lifelong friends. She was an active member of the Paramus Garden Club and Art Guild for painters.

Evelyn worked as the first female underwriter for Aetna Life & Casualty in the 1940s and quit for another job when the company hired a co-worker at a higher salary. She later retired from the Paramus High School Guidance Department, where she assisted several thousand students with college applications. She attained an Associate of Arts degree at age 53 while working full time.

Although divorced after 25 years, Evelyn and William remained friends and celebrated many holidays and happy occasions together.

After retirement, Evelyn became a world traveler visiting every country in Europe, Egypt, India, Russia, Japan, China, Singapore, Canada, Brazil and many others. She was in awe of the Ancient and Modern Wonders of the World. Evelyn was also an avid golfer until age 88 and fulfilled a dream of playing 18 holes at St. Andrews course in Scotland. She was Bergen County Senior Champion for two years during the 1990s.

Evelyn took special interest in all family members, including nieces and nephews, and had multiple lifelong friendships including her pen pal from Scotland since age 12. They were thrilled to meet for the first time at age 60. She was a willing and trusted babysitter for her adored grandkids and supported all family and friends in times of need. Evelyn was loved and admired by all as determined, accepting, humble, and a person of the highest integrity.

She remained fiercely independent until her death. We give special thanks to the Portable Assisted Living staff at Westwood House, who lovingly supported her to remain in her home.

She is survived by her loving children: Douglas Baillie (Dory), Janice Baillie (Keith Loynachan), Leigh Baillie (Bruce Cohen), and Joan Lamond (John); Dearest grandmother to Douglas, Michael, Scott, Sonya, Tracy, Isaac, Paul and Jack. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, her loving sister, Isabella McCarthy, and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic there will be a family celebration of her life at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Becker Funeral Home, Westwood, NJ.

Donations can be made online to The Center for Food Action. cfanj.org

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Becker-funeralhome.com