Evelyn VanBuren

1931 - 2026

Evelyn Van Buren
February 6, 2026
WATERTOWN –Evelyn (Vaillancourt) Van Buren, 94, of Nova Scotia, Hill Road, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She is now reunited with her husband, Robert F. Van Buren, with whom she shared over 71 years of marriage and devotion before his passing in 2021.
Evelyn was born on August 13,1931, in Eagle Lake, Maine, daughter of the late Fred Smart and Edith Gagnon. She worked as a waitress at Sherri Annes Dinette in Watertown and as a cafeteria worker in the Watertown Public Schools. She enjoyed playing cards, Scrabble, crocheting blankets, baking, canning, jelly-making and was known for her delicious apple pie recipe. She vacationed in Maine, enjoyed trips to upstate New York and Florida in the Winter and spent the holidays at home with her family. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her home was always a place of warmth and welcome.
Evelyn leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her two daughters, Darlene Roman and her late husband, Marshall of Watertown, Cynthia Emmons and her husband, Clifford of Dennis MA; three grandchildren, Kelly Roman, Scott Berglund his wife, Kristy, and Erin Hallock her husband, Tony; six great-grandchildren, Latrell, Brianna, Evan, Emily, Archer, and Conner; a sister, Cecile Plawecki; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her five brothers, Armel Smart, Claud Smart, Louis Vaillancourt, Rene Vaillancourt, Alvin Smart; and her two sisters, Irene Ramo and Cora Roucoulet.
Her family is very thankful for all the wonderful caregivers that cared for Evelyn over the past few years, especially Bridgette and Sandra (Dede) of Emerest Home Care, who were with Evelyn during her last weeks.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at church. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations can be made to Holy Disciples Parish, 21 Academy Hill Rd., Watertown, CT 06795, or The Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
For additional information or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com .