Phyllis Evenden

Phyllis Evenden of Falmouth, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 89 on March 24, 2026.

Born in Chatham, New Jersey she grew up developing a deep love of nature. She acquired a degree from the University of Michigan in natural resource management and worked for the National Park Service in Big Bend Texas and Washington, DC until leaving the service in the early 60's to get married, living in Colorado before moving to Falmouth in 1976. For many years she truly enjoyed working for a great boss at a small printing company in Falmouth, grateful for all the wonderful customers.

Phyllis was a very active person and was a regular runner through middle age. She served as race director for the Cape Cod Marathon in 1980 and helped in many small road races in the 80's. Canoeing became a favorite pastime in the 90's and eventually saw her going on a few multi week canoe trips in the Canadian wilderness! Later she switched to kayaking and went on many trips around the coast of Cape Cod. When she wasn't paddling on the water, she could be found walking one of their basset hounds with her husband Gerry and they frequently went to gatherings of fellow basset hound owners.

She was a long-time artist; she loved to draw and paint landscapes and other subjects from nature. Phyllis volunteered at the old Falmouth Artists Guild on Main Street in Falmouth and in her later years she taught a summer course about drawing from nature at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Those who knew her best always commented on her calm demeanor and good spirit.

Phyllis is survived by her sons Keith Evenden and his wife Jeanne of Corvallis, Oregon and Muir Evenden and his wife Joanne of Malbork, Poland and her beloved nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10am until noon at Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Hwy, Falmouth, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Parks Conservation Association, Attn: Membership Department, 777 6th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001.