Evelyn Louise Gridley

Evelyn "Grandma Gert" Louise Gridley, beloved mother, strong matriarch, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully into the Lord's care on November 22, 2025, at Absolut Care of Three Rivers in Painted Post, NY, at the age of 88, passing on the birthday of her beloved husband, Mort, who predeceased her. Her life was a testament to faith, love, and unwavering strength, and she is remembered for the guidance, wisdom, and warmth she shared with all who knew her.

Born on June 20, 1937, in Corning, NY, to James W. and Gladys (Hubbard) Wellington, Evelyn grew up one of 17 siblings in a lively, bustling home. From a young age, she learned resilience, responsibility, and the importance of family, traits that would define her life. After attending school in Corning, she worked as a bank teller for Community National Bank, but her greatest calling was as the heart and leader of her home. She was a lifelong member of the Caton United Methodist Church, where her faith guided her every step.

On February 12, 1954, Evelyn married the love of her life, Morris A. (Mort, Poppy) Gridley Sr. For 67 years they built a life together filled with devotion, laughter, deep affection, and plenty of love, keeping each other and especially Mort in line along the way. Together, they raised four sons in the Town of Caton, who became the center of her world and the pride of her heart. Evelyn led her family with wisdom, discipline, and boundless love, teaching her children faith, compassion, and integrity, and always making sure they knew the strength of their matriarch's love.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Morris A. Gridley Jr. and daughter-in-law Patricia, Kevin J. Gridley and daughter-in-law Jacquelyn, Mahlon E. Gridley, and Maynard A. Gridley and daughter-in-law Lisa; she welcomed her daughters-in-law with the same love and guidance she gave her own children. Her devotion extended to her grandchildren, Aubrie M. Entwood (Jim), Joshua J. Gridley (Lisa), Ashley N. Dann (Jay Korbell), Erica N. Hepworth (Josh Dotts), Joshua J. Hepworth, Dustin D VanZile (Jamie), Kevin H. Gridley (Jennifer), Benjamin D Benz, Kristin L. Williamson (Mark), Burdett A Padgett, Clarissa M. Gridley (Tim Diederich), Jonas G. Gridley (Lindsay Lax), Jessica L. O'Brien (Trevor), Emily M. Gridley (Tim Mandell), and Megan L. Gridley (Michael Snyder). She loved each of her grandchildren dearly, sharing in their joys and guiding them with her wisdom and heart; Megan will especially treasure the two years she spent closely with her Gram, creating cherished memories. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Skye A. Entwood, Oden W. Entwood, Elijah T. Gridley, Noah Gridley, Elora Gridley, Jack Williamson, Wyatt Williamson, Emma Kay Williamson, Isabella Williamson, Claire O'Brien, and Penny Lee O'Brien, Hailey VanZile, Dustin VanZile, Dylan VanZile, Mia Vanzile, Elliott Benz, Connor Patterson and her great-great-grandson, Everett Morris Mandell. She is also survived by her brothers, James Wellington and Kenneth VanKurin, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, James and Gladys Wellington; her husband, Morris A. Gridley Sr.; her sisters, Glenora Martin, Eloise Jacobus, Winifred Beebe, Jan Crooker, Leslie Bliss, and Carolyn Bates; and her brothers, Benjamin VanKurin, Richard VanKurin, Donald VanKurin, Gerald VanKurin, David Wellington and Maynard Wellington. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law Diane Putt Gridley and grandson Eric Richard Gridley.

In her younger years, Evelyn was a lively and spirited mother, chasing her boys around the yard and sharing in their adventures. She loved making crafts and baking, especially pies with her exceptional crusts, and her Butterfinger cookie bars were a family favorite, a skill she carried on from her mother. She treasured time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Evelyn's life was defined by her strength, leadership, gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and the love she poured into her family. She will be remembered as a matriarch who guided, protected, and nurtured generations, leaving a legacy of devotion, resilience, and faith. A strong, hardworking mother, Evelyn dedicated her entire life to her family, her home, and her faith, her greatest legacy.

Memorial donations may be made to the Caton Volunteer Fire Co. Inc., to help with the training of EMTs, 1118 Caton Road, Corning, NY 14830.

Service arrangements will be announced following the holidays. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Caton next to her beloved husband.

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