Jo Evans

Jo Evans passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 16, 2025 at her longtime residence in Northwood, NH.

She was born in Newark, NJ on November 8, 1948, the daughter of the late Raymond H. Evans and the late Jean P. Cassidy Evans. In 1951, her family settled in Melrose, MA, where she graduated Melrose High School’s class of 1966.

Jo was a talented musician and vocalist. She was both the drummer and lead singer for the band “The Restless Breed” which played venues in downtown Boston’s “Combat Zone” in the late 60s.

She was a long tenured employee of New England Telephone/Nynex, where she was elected to be a union steward. She took early retirement due to a medical event and despite these challenges, remained very active, living on Northwood Lake in New Hampshire swimming, fishing, and hosting family and friends on her boats and at her home. She also owned and loved many cats through the years, and defined the term “crazy cat-lady” before it was in vogue! “Pepsi” was her favorite feline best friend!

Jo remained independent, doing yard work, managing her firewood, and was known for her efforts to help keep the lake clean by removing debris while snorkeling – despite being legally blind! In fact, she was featured in one of the NH Association of the Blind’s weekly publications for continuing these activities despite her disabilities. Until her recent illness, she was also active in helping elderly people with their sight loss.

Jo was known for her strong will, motivating words of encouragement, and deep care for her family, friends, and the environment. When the land beneath her neighborhood was at risk of being sold, Jo worked with her neighbors to prevent this by helping organize the creation of the Loon Estates Co-op, where she served as its first treasurer. She also served for a time as president of a women’s organization, The Ladybugs North.

Jo was a lover of all things sci-fi (particularly Star Trek), and shared that love with her many nieces and nephews. She was always eager share about her movies, collectibles, and memorabilia. Those who knew Jo well would say that what she liked most about Star Trek was that people of all kinds set aside their differences for a common purpose. This unity is something that Jo advocated for, and lives on with those who knew her.

Her loving partner Elaine Boucher preceded her in death in July of 2025. She had nine siblings: Raymond Jr. (deceased), Dr. Patricia Jean Evans (deceased), Dr. Paul Evans (Roxanne) of Salem, OR, John Evans (deceased), Sheila Evans Klimek of Northwood, NH, Nancy Evans (deceased), Cathy Evans of Goshen, MA, Joyce Evans of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, and Richard Evans (Jennifer) of Leominster, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private service for her family and close friends will be held in early October. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.