Evelyn Barrow

Evelyn Barrow, 99, died in Chapel Hill, NC on January 23, 2026 surrounded by family. A magnificent wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she was deeply loved and is dearly missed.

Evelyn lived most of her early life on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, with her parents, Mary (Thomaschefsky) and Max Weiner, and beloved sister, Harriet (Caplan), before graduating from Cornell University (1947), and earning a Masters in Library Science from Long Island University (1969).

Residing for four decades in Roslyn Heights, NY, Evy adored her career as a school librarian at the Wheatley School (1969-1979) and Willets Road School (1979-1986) - a profession well-suited to her lifelong love of books and learning. She relished helping students and teachers access the library's, and later, the internet's, resources, to help answer their questions and ignite their passions. Her secret mission was to help in a way that dispelled librarians' (in her view, undeserved) reputation as stern enforcers of silence and rules. Based on her popularity, mission accomplished.

In a 1992 self-published book about the genealogy of her family, A Letter to My Grandchildren, she concluded, "I hope in my professional encounters as a Librarian, I touched some lives, helped share my love of reading or awakened some reluctant student to its delights and keen satisfactions." In this way, too, Evy left her enduring mark.

In retirement, Evy and her husband, Mort, died-in-the-wool New Yorkers, moved to Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC, to build their dream house and start a whole new life chapter. Their lives blossomed, making friends from around the world, jumping into volunteer opportunities, playing tennis and learning to appreciate grits and fried green tomatoes. Evy loved living in NC as much as NY, evidenced by her accent, which subtly morphed from New Yawk-ese to a soft southern drawl.

Tennis was Evy's sport but the New York Times was her daily companion. From reading the paper daily, to doing the crossword puzzle, Wordle and Spelling Bee, Evy valued being informed and engaged. She relished staying in close touch with family and friends through email, texts, phone calls and famously handwritten letters. She had a knack for sending the best birthday cards, ever.

Evy remained an avid reader and a dedicated volunteer, recommending the latest fiction titles and contributing to countless projects dedicated to life-long learning and making the world better for others. She understood intuitively how to help friends by showing up with home-cooked food, offering welcomed companionship or just being a good listener. Her long and fulfilling life, distinguished by energy, curiosity and compassion, overflowed with meaning and satisfaction, along with admiration from all who knew her. She showed respect to all, building deep friendships until the very end of her long, full life.

Evelyn shared a profound love with her husband, Morton, who predeceased her in 2008 after 60 years of marriage, and remained at the center of her heart throughout her life. They were an inseparable pair, traveling near and far, hosting lively dinner parties and welcoming new neighbors. From their many photos, they obviously had a great time.

Evy's favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, which she cherished as a time to gather for a full week under one roof with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took great pride in her family and was grateful to have a special relationship with each of her five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She had a genuine, deep interest in them as young people, always curious to learn more about their opinions, ideas and challenges. Her love, engagement and steadfast support will forever be a source of strength to her family.

Evelyn is survived by her son Peter (Amy) Barrow and daughter Nancy (Greg) Serrurier, grandchildren Laura (Phil) Geiger, Jeff (Meggie) Barrow, Julia (Tom) Ryan, Kate (Julien) Cobert, Ben (Molly) Serrurier and great-grandchildren Alexa, Evan and Cam Geiger, Weston, Hunter, Tate and Bee Barrow, Rosie and Piper Ryan, Ryan and Landon Cobert and Brady Serrurier.

A celebration of Evy's wonderful life will be held at Galloway Ridge, Pittsboro, North Carolina on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Chatham County Literacy Council (chathamliteracy.org).