Evelyn Ruth Birdsey

Evelyn Ruth Birdsey, 98, of North Port, Fla. died Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Quality Health Care of North Port. She was born November 22, 1915, in Springfield, Mass. to George and Ruth (Anderson) Bostrom. Following the death of her mother, when Evelyn was 10 years old, her father moved the family, including her younger siblings, George and Betty, to Portland, CT to be near her father’s family. Evelyn was a graduate of Portland High School and attended the University of Connecticut. She married Herbert Birdsey June 3, 1939, and resided in Middletown, CT, where they raised three children. They were very active in the Middletown community and both retired from the Middletown Board of Education. Evelyn retired in 1982 after serving as an Administrative Secretary for 25 years. They moved full time to North Port in 1984 and were very active with the North Port Elks Club (disbanded) and the North Port Yacht Club (disbanded) and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. They were members of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in North Port where Evelyn served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Elder. She had a very strong Faith. Evelyn loved to entertain family and friends over the years, made many friends along the way and created many cherished memories. She was a talented artist who painted beautiful pictures sharing them with loved ones. She enjoyed playing bridge and other card games, dancing and corresponding with family and friends. Evelyn had a wonderful smile. Evelyn will be greatly missed by her son and best friend Richard; daughter, Deanna; three grandchildren, Tom, Gera (Albert), and Melanie; three great grandchildren, Shamus, Avery and Marco; and many treasured relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and siblings, Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband (1995); son Tom (1998); and many relatives and special friends. The family would like to extend its deepest thanks to Dr. Robert Gutierrez and his staff for their outstanding care and support over many years. A special thank you to the staff at Quality Health Care for their tireless care, love and compassionate treatment of our mother. Following Evelyn’s request, no services will be held. The family asks that her family and friends keep her memory and love in their hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you hug someone you love; and don’t hesitate visiting someone with dementia or Alzheimer disease. Her ashes will be buried in the family plot in Connecticut.