Joan Elizabeth Evans

Joan Elizabeth (Bowman) Evans, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood, Massachusetts. Born in London, England on May 31, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Emily (Nicholson) Bowman. Joan spent her early years in London, before her family settled in Cardiff, Wales, where she received her formal education. After completing her education, Joan went on to work as a switchboard operator for a local company.

 

Joan married her beloved husband, Colin J. Evans, on August 14, 1954, in their hometown of Cardiff, Wales. Following their wedding, Joan took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. Joan derived immense pride in creating a safe and happy home for her growing family.

 

Joan and Colin immigrated to the United States of America for what was supposed to be a three-year work opportunity and ended up staying for a lifetime. Colin was the first to immigrate in 1966, working to establish roots and preparing for his family to join him. A year later, Joan packed her home and children to reunite with Colin, starting their grand adventure in Lordship, Stratford, Connecticut. The family would make Lordship their home for close to thirty years, rearing children, making friends, and eventually beginning to welcome grandchildren. Although the United States became her home, Joan held memories of England and Wales close to her heart and loved to return visiting family as often as she could.

 

After their children had grown, Joan and Colin left their home in Connecticut, settling in the West Park neighborhood of Esopus, New York in 1994. While living in West Park, Joan and Colin, fueled by their love of books, spent countless hours volunteering at the Esopus Public Library serving their community and forming lasting friendships. Here Joan continued her enduring curiosity and love of learning about local history and archeology.

 

In more recent years, Joan and Colin made their home in Massachusetts, first in Walpole in 2009 and later moving to Franklin, and then Norwood in October of 2019.

 

Throughout her life, Joan enjoyed knitting, and quickly became an expert left-handed knitter. Joan also loved a good cup of tea, always offering guests a “cuppa.” Joan liked to cook for her family and was known for her many dishes including Nana's Ham, Shepherd's pie, shortbread, and her famous New York Cheesecake – always generously sharing recipes.

 

More than anything else Joan will be remembered as someone who found absolute joy in her family.

 

Beloved wife of the late Colin J. Evans.

Loving mother of Michael John Evans and his wife, Kathy Kocian, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Susan M. Evans of Somers, Connecticut, Keir Evans and his wife, Karen Fieldstad, of Suffield, Connecticut, and Derek A. Evans and his wife, Tanya, of Westfield, New Jersey.

Cherished grandmother of Jessica, Sam, Wil, Lizzy, Kate, and Carys.

Sister of Peter Bowman of Monmouth, Wales, and the late Alec Bowman.

 

At the request of Joan's family, funeral services will be private.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joan's name may be made to the charity of one's choice.

 

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.