Evelyn M. Lazaro

PALM BEACH GARDEN, Fla. -- Evelyn Mary (Whalen) Lazaro, 84, a former resident of Waltham, died Tuesday evening, Nov. 21, at her Palm Beach Garden residence, after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Newton, April 21, 1922, daughter of the late John and Helena (Laughlin) Whalen. She had been a Waltham resident before moving to Florida 17 years ago. She graduated from Waltham High School.

Before retiring, Mrs. Lazaro worked at Waltham Hospital for more than 27 years as director of the Domestic Services Department, where she became known "as the lovely lady who always had a kind word to say." In her earlier years, she worked at the Atlantic Register Co.

She was a scout leader during her children's youth. She enjoyed knitting, gardening and caring for her family.

She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Marsha Corbett of Nashua, Nancy Mullaney and John Mullaney III of Waltham, and Judy Lazaro-Levine and Howard Levine of Stowe, Vt.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Marshall "Buddy" B. and Nancy (MacLean) Lazaro of Braintree, and Joseph and Patricia (Umbrello) Lazaro of Tewksbury; a sister, Mary Canavan of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; two brothers, Charles Whalen of Waltham, and William Whalen of Westboro; her grandchildren, Melissa Gaudet, Stacey Schaufus, Mandy Mullaney-Kazan, Tobi Egirous, Brandon Levine and Michael MacLean; her great-grandchildren, Lily and Emma Schaufus and Mattheau and Meghan Gaudet.

She is also survived by her devoted caretaker, Hopie Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also the sister of the late Rita Centola and John Whalen, and mother-in-law of the late William Corbett.