Class. That is the word that I have been hearing most often when people remember my mother. Grace, elegance and most of all, class. One of my friends described a visit to our home as if he was walking on to the set of the television show “Dallas”. Always dressed in designer clothes, would not even consider being seen without hair done and makeup on, she would greet everyone at the door and if it was in the evening hours, would offer a cocktail, always poured from crystal decanters. That was my mother. No arrogance, always humble but you knew that you were in the presence of someone very special. Alice Evelyn Peterson, Evelyn as she was called, was born in Denver to Cora Hollenbaugh and Lewis Peterson. She grew up in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. An only child, she was surrounded by cousins in this small town and was especially close to her cousin Gene Schmeckpeper and throughout life, their relationship was like that of a brother and sister. Oh how she grieved the loss of Uncle Gene in April of 2009. My mother played clarinet in the school band, was the drum majorette for a few years and was president of her senior class. She would later attend the University of Denver studying business. As a young adult, she lived with her mother, stepfather and stepsister in Lakewood and they later all moved to Englewood. It was there where she met my father, Ernest McDonald and they married in 1954. Employed by the Colorado State Racing Commission for many years, it was there that she was truly in her element, for she loved horse racing. Her father was a racing fan and the two of them would go to Centennial Race Track here in Denver. In 1974, she married Robert Payne, a potato farmer from Monte Vista, Colorado who also owned and raced thoroughbred race horses. Together, they would travel to tracks across the country, watching their horse’s race, most often in California along the fair circuit, Santa Anita and Hollywood Park. My mother was in attendance at Belmont Park when the great Secretariat won the Triple Crown. She never cashed that winning ticket and 40 years later, she still carried that historic, winning ticket in her billfold. In 1986 when my stepfather suffered a stoke, she rented a townhome in Scottsdale, Arizona to be closer to him while he was in a rehabilitation center. It was there that she met and became friends with the Nicks family, of singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks fame. Barbara and Stevie’s Aunt Carmal, through her metaphysics sessions, provided great comfort to my mother during this difficult time. Of course, they would also go to the horse races @ Turf Paradise and from that friendship, the last foal that my mother ever owned was a colt she named “Stevie”. In 1988, after my stepfather’s death, my mother and I moved back to Denver. She joined many bridge clubs and learned to play Mahjong. The friends that she made here in Denver are many. Overwhelmingly, many. My mother was fun to be around. She was up for just about anything, always upbeat with a great sense of humor. My mother and I would be doing something as simple as rearranging furniture. Something that she would say or that I would say would bring us to tears of laughter. My mother is also survived by her loving Godson Tim Schmeckpeper, who has held me strong upon his broad shoulders during this difficult time, his wife Jennifer and precious niece Kim. Before she died, my mother assured me that she would be watching over me from above. I hope she knew that for all of the years of my life, I have actually been watching over her with love, admiration and pure awe at the fact that this beautiful, magnificent woman was actually my mother. May God Bless you and watch over you until we meet again. Your Loving Daughter, Nanc
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Nancy McDonald.
It has been 10 years since you left us. As we said before, there are no goodbyes for us, you are always in my heart and missed each and every day. Your loving daughter
nancy mcdonald
Family
January 9, 2023
" It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone
For part of me went with you, the day God called you home".
I miss you so much Mom.
nancy mcdonald
December 25, 2017
You are missed every second of every day. Love you Mom
April 19, 2017
Deeply missed, cherished forever.
Your loving daughter
January 9, 2016
Nancy McDonald
April 30, 2015
Always remembered and deeply missed - my beautiful, gracious and lovely "forever friend", Evelyn.
Just being with you was always a special occasion for me, and I know I will share that with you again someday.
Sending my love to you today and always,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth Matthews
April 20, 2015
" But still they lead me back to the long and winding road. You left me standing here
a long, long time ago. Don't leave me waiting here, lead me to your door. "
" The wild and windy night that the rain washed away, has left a pool of tears, crying for the day. Don't leave me waiting here, let me know the way"
Nancy McDonald
April 19, 2015
Mom, on this day two years ago, I lost you. My best friend, my world.
When I am gone, it is important to me that the world remembers you. The days that you spent as a caregiver to your husband, your mother, your aunt. The time you drove your elderly friend from Santa Fe, New Mexico to her hometown in Oklahoma, so she could see it one last time. So much more....
And, the blessed life you provided me.
You are thought of, missed and cherished every single day.
Your loving daughter,
Nanc
January 9, 2015
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
Mary Elizabeth Frye
I Did Not Die.
Nanc
February 2, 2014
I miss you each and every day. There is a part of me that is lost forever as well in a world that will never be the same.
With Love. ~
Nancy McDonald
January 8, 2014
Maybe she's the dragonfly that swirls around my head
Maybe she's the words that pass, never to be said
Maybe she's the flower, deep in a garden of bloom
Maybe she's the light that shines, bright through her empty room
Maybe she's the reason my heart keeps beating on
With each and every season, I can't believe she's gone
June 30, 2013
Nancy, I know in my heart that your Mom and mine are looking down on us, watching over us and wishing us peace and happiness forever.A Mother's Love is with us Forever!!!
Nancy Hittle-Lynch
January 16, 2013
Evelyn loved and appreciated beautiful things, never realizing that she, herself, was so beautiful inside and out, that she elicited that same kind of love and appreciation of beauty from everyone she met. Evelyn is a treasured masterpiece.
I will always remember her rich, melodic voice. I loved the way it sounded when I would answer my phone and she would say, "Mary Beth, this is Evelyn." Just hearing her voice lifted my spirits and made me smile. Evelyn is a beautiful, bright spirit who will be missed immensely. I know that she is now lighting up smiles in heaven.
And, dear, dear Nancy, you made her life on earth so full and meaningful. I know she loves you so much, and I also know that she feels so much love from you. I always marveled at the beautful bond between mother and daughter - an inspiration to all of us. Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful tribute to your mother - it blesses us.
Sending prayers of love, hope, comfort and peace to all.
Mary Beth Matthews (Littleton, CO)
January 15, 2013
Nancy, you did a great job with the tribute to your mother, Evelyn is very proud of you, she always has been. I soo wanted her to come to Atlanta with you one time so the three of us could visit and do what we do best, she was and still is a class act..........she was such an inspiration to my as a young man, I carry what I learned from her with me today, she taught me how to appreciate the finer things in life. Why settle for a drink of any kind in a cup when you can have it in a crystal glass? Your mother was more than that though, like you said very humble and she made you feel comfortable when you were in her home, because it was just that, not a house but a " home ". She made everyone around her feel like they were home, now I'm glad she is home as well - resting peacefully! God Bless her and you. We love you both!
Jeff Witt
January 14, 2013
Nancy, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful, classy lady and I miss her as my neighbor and friend. Take care of yourself.
Cathy & Steve
Cathy & Steve Shuster
January 13, 2013
Just like your mother, you too are a class act Nancy. What a lovely tribute to your mother. Well done my friend. Thinking of you with love and friendship.God bless.
Paula Medina
January 12, 2013
Prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Your mom I am certain is glowing with pride at such a lovely and loving tribute. Class indeed
Cindy Caylor
January 11, 2013
Nancy, as a mother, I can promise you that your Mother is beaming with pride and love at the tribute you wrote. She is indeed watching over you and marveling at how blessed she was to have lived a long, fun and fruitful life with the added bonus of having such a wonderful daughter. Hugs and prayers to you. Next time you arrange the furniture, may you enjoy a burst of laughter for you and your mom.
Yvette Kimmel
January 11, 2013
Prayers for your entire family. Beautifully written tribute for a vibrant & loving lady. Evelyn will be missed.
Kristi Sailors
January 11, 2013
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