Phyllis Hewson Evans

1926 - 2012

Evans, Phyllis Hewson

Phyllis Hewson Evans died peacefully on Monday, August 20, 2012 at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle following a stroke on August 4.

She was born on April 17, 1926 in New Jersey to James and Helen Hewson. The family moved to Connecticut for a short time, then to Mamaroneck.

Phyllis attended the Rye Neck schools, graduating in 1942. She earned her B.A. at Middlebury College in Vermont (Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority) and then was employed as a social worker with the Westchester County Department of Family & Child Welfare. In 1949, she married Sheldon Evans. They lived in White Plains, then moved to Larchmont in 1954. Phyllis worked as a Welcome Wagon hostess and as a math and science aide at Chatsworth Avenue School and a library aide at Hommocks Middle School.

Phyllis was an active member of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck, where she was baptized, confirmed and married. She was a Sunday School teacher, chalice bearer, and member of both the Bible Study group and book club. She also volunteered at the church thrift shop, pumpkin patch, Christmas fair, and food pantry.

A wonderful mother and devoted friend, Phyllis loved keeping in touch with her high school and college classmates, "church family" members, and community friends. She truly enjoyed writing letters and cards, and receiving them in return.

In addition to reading and keeping up with news and politics, Phyllis enjoyed traveling with her husband and often with other family members. She spent time almost every summer in Rehoboth Beach, DE, her favorite vacation spot since childhood. Phyllis' family and friends are well aware that her favorite team was the NY Giants, and that her preferred color, other than Big Blue, was yellow.

Phyllis is survived by Sheldon, her loving husband of almost 63 years; her brother Roger; and her children Shelley (partner Marion Spillman) of Elkton, MD; James (wife Terri) of Falls Church, VA; Thomas (wife Joan) of Ridgefield, CT; and John (wife Karen) of New Rochelle; grandchildren Christopher and Brittany of Lumberton, NJ; and nieces, Catherine Davies of Tuscaloosa, AL and Wendy Watson of Tucson, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church; United Way of Westchester and Putnam; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.coxeandgraziano.com.

A funeral and celebration of Phyllis' life will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas' Church, 168 W. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY.