Betty Jean Hebrank Evans

Betty Jean Hebrank Evans

Betty Jean Hebrank Evans, 90, of Concord, Massachusetts, died peacefully on December 2, 2017 with her eldest daughter and son-in-law by her side

Born in St Louis on September 1, 1927 to Adolph and Ida Hebrank, Betty attended Ursuline Academy, Saint Mary of the Woods and graduated with a BS from St Louis University in 1949 She began her career as a speech therapist at the J Archer O'Reilly Cerebral Palsy Center in St Louis, before moving in 1952 to Kansas City, Missouri where she introduced a speech therapy program at the Rehabilitation Center

In 1955, she married Hart in St Louis; the couple moved to New York City and then New Canaan, Connecticut where they resided for 52 years, raising four children A perennial leader in the New Canaan community, Betty served as member/officer of school parent teacher organizations, President of New Canaan Women's Club, President of local AAUW and was awarded 2005 Woman of the Year She was Chairman of the Republican Town Committee, Chairman of the Friends of Library, and Trustee of New Canaan Library Betty served on the board and oversaw appropriations and restorations at Waveny Lapham Estate, was active in the establishment of Waveny Care Center, and instrumental in increasing CPR awareness and implementing training at the local Red Cross

She was an active parishioner of St Aloysius Church and volunteered at the New Canaan Historical Society, Next to New, and Newcomers Club Betty proudly supported her children's events and performances; she enjoyed reading and bridge, was an avid gardener, bird lover and enthusiastic cook

After retirement, Betty and Hart traveled the world including Kenya, China, Tibet, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, Irian Jaya, Papua New Guinea, India, Peru, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy Switzerland, France, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Netherlands They moved to Concord, Massachusetts in 2007 There she continued her love of volunteering at the Newbury Commons Library Board, Food Committee and Knit & Chat club

Preceded by in death by James Hart Evans, her husband of 61 years, she is survived by her loving children, William M Evans and wife Kristie of New Lenox, Illinois; Kathryn Lagunowich and husband Mark of Acton, Massachusetts; Susan Hart Magnuson and husband Erik of Cardiff, California; and, Ann O'Toole and husband Timothy of Fort Collins, Colorado; as well as ten grandchildren, Gwendalynn Evans Bowen and Annalise Evans; Matthew, Mary and Michael Lagunowich; Claire, Daniel, Brian and Julie Magnuson; and Lindie O'Toole She was joined by her younger brother Roger A Hebrank who died on December 3, 2017

Betty considered her beloved family her greatest achievement and joy Devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she had an easy laugh and a sparkle in her eye She leaves a wonderful legacy of love and influence that will live on; she will be truly missed by all

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 9th, at 9:30 am in Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord, MA Her graveside service will take place on Saturday, December 9th, at 3:30 pm in Lakeview Cemetery, Main Street, New Canaan, CT  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Americares, 88 Hamilton Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 (wwwamericaresorg)

To share a remembrance or to send a condolence in her online guestbook, please visit wwwDeeFuneralHomecom