Obituary: Marie Georgette Davis Evelyn, 94, daughter of Ralph Titlar Davis and Allene Whitson Romaine, died on August 2, 2011 at Arbor View Assisted Living Center in Willow Valley Manor, Lancaster, PA.
Marie was born in Ossining, NY on January 14, 1917. She graduated from Ossining High School in 1934, a member of the National Honor Society who excelled in academics, music, theater and visual arts, and athletics. Her high school yearbook included a quote that described her well throughout her life: “Her very frowns are fairer far than smiles of other maidens are.”
Her high school training in commercial subjects prepared her to accept a job at Newsweek in 1937 in New York City. On June 9, 1939, she married Everett Edward Evelyn of Tarrytown and began her life as homemaker and mother.
Her life reflected a generous spirit and a love of family, faith and community. She grew up in Trinity Episcopal Church in Ossining and continued as a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church during her years in Pleasantville. She was active in Girl Scouts in Ossining, as well as supporting her children’s interest and participation in scouts. Marie inherited her love of music from her father, who at one point was first violinist for Westchester County Symphony Orchestra, and she participated in community choirs into her 80’s. Her talent for gardening came from her grandfather George Romaine, nurseryman, who propagated the Briarcliff Rose. Over the years she exemplified the spirit of giving through her work and volunteer service, including Pleasantville Public Schools and Library, Briarcliff College Library, Mount Kisco Medical Group, the Presbytery of Hudson River, and Phelps Memorial Hospital. It gave her great joy to volunteer at Bedford Road Elementary School in the 1990’s as a surrogate grandparent.
She was a lifelong learner and took courses at local colleges throughout the years. Her faith and her family defined her. Marie and Everett, deceased in 1992, are survived by three children: Douglas Evelyn of Sugar Hill, NH, David Evelyn of Falls Church, VA, and Lynn Evelyn Rohrs of Alexandria, VA; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
On Tuesday, August 23rd, visitation hours are 4-7 PM at Beecher Funeral Home in Pleasantville.
On Wednesday, August 24th, the funeral is at 10 AM at Beecher Funeral Home, followed by private interment for family at Fair Ridge Cemetery in Chappaqua, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory may be made to the local hospice or community service organization of one’s choice.