Evelyn Spamer Munson

1921 - 2018

MUNSON, EVELYN SPAMER
passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2018. Evelyn was born in Bronx, New York on October 22, 1921 to George and Charlotte (Conroy) Spamer. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York attending the New York City public schools. A noted swimmer, she was the New York City 100 meter breaststroke champion in 1939 and trained for the 1940 Olympics. She attended Columbia University, later transferring to the University of Michigan where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education.
Evelyn started her teaching career in the Bethpage, NY school system and became permanently certified by NY State. In 1943 she met her husband Lt. William H. Munson, a naval aviator, and they were married on July 12, 1944. After retirement from the Navy in 1961, Captain and Evelyn Munson settled in East Greenwich, Rhode Island where Evelyn began a 23-year career teaching grades 1-6. Evelyn was noted for handling large class sizes, one year of 50 students, and in 23 years never taking a single sick day. She and her husband were active members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Upon Evelyn's retirement, she and Bill moved to Grantham, NH where they spent many years volunteering at the Dunbar library, singing with the Eastmanaires vocal group and making new friends. After Bill's passing, Evelyn moved to Annapolis, MD to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Paul Schnell. In Annapolis she continued volunteer work at the Eastport Elementary School and drove for Meals on Wheels. She traveled widely with friends and family, including a tour of the 10 Lost cities of the World. She loved reading and politics, and was elected to represent Rhode Island at the Republican National Convention in 1980. Evelyn was a life-long member and supporter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Evelyn is survived by her sons Robert (Terri) Munson, Stephen (Dale) Munson and Gregory (Arlene) Munson and daughters Penny (Paul) Schnell and Evie Sue (Bill) Humphries; thirteen grandchildren Brad, Ty, Glen, Taryn, Lauren, James, Alicia, Jillian, Andrea, Catherine, Ben, Brian and Anna; eighteen great grandchildren; two nephews Jay (Debra) Spamer, Doug (Sarah) Spamer and great niece Vivienne.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, husband Captain William H. Munson, USN, Ret, son William H. Munson, brother Robert Spamer and nephew Robert Spamer, Jr.
A funeral service will be held at Arlington Cemetery at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Claire Booth Luce Policy Institute, 112 Elden St #P, Herndon, VA 20170 or the Dunbar Free Library, 401 NH-10, Grantham, NH 03753.
Online condolences may be made at barrancofuneralhome.com