Obituary: Evelyn Brown, Technician at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital

Obituary from Eaton Funeral Homes:

Evelyn Brown, 89, of Needham, formerly of Roslindale and Dedham, passed away Oct. 22, 2013. 

Born Aug. 21, 1924, Evelyn was the wife of Andrew Brown for over 60 years.

Evelyn, along with her sister Stella, grew up during the Great Depression and WWII and learned early that family and friends are important as well as public service. During the war she was hostess for the USO Buddie's Club. After that she participated in the League of Women Voters, helped care for those at Medfield State Hospital and she was a member and deaconess at the First Baptist Church of Needham. For many years she was employed at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham as a technician. 

When Evelyn was young, she saw much of the USA when her family joined the Oakies, traveling west to California. One of her recollections was that of the Long Beach earthquake of 1933. In California, and when she returned to the Boston area, she loved entering contests and was known as an award winning whistler and got great responses for her impersonations. Her favorite character to impersonate was Betty Boop. Later on Evelyn found her artistic flair in making stained glass art. Evelyn had many close friends in Needham and she enjoyed family gatherings, visiting Cape Cod and horseback riding. 

Her marriage to Andrew was fun loving and they always included everyone in their good times. Evelyn loved people and always had a kind word for everyone. She would brighten a room with her enthusiasm and smile. She had a gift for engaging young people in conversation. Her home was always open to family and friends that needed support when going through difficult times. 

She leaves her daughters Susan Brown of Austin, Texas and Jeanne and Craig Rafter of Dover; her son, Stephen and Paula Brown of Waltham; her grandchildren Bryan Gottsman, Jeremy and Eliza Brown, Andrew, Sarah, Brad, Eric, Michael and Curtis Rafter; her five great-grandchildren; her many nieces and nephews; and her best friend Ray Hopkins of Millis. 

A Funeral Service will be held in the First Baptist Church of Needham, 858 Great Plain Ave., Needham Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friend are  invited to attend. Visiting hours in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave., Needham Tuesday 4 to 7 p.m. Interment at Highland Cemetery, Dover.

In lieu of flowers donations in Evelyn's name may be made to The First Baptist Church of Needham, 858 Great Plain Ave., Needham MA 02492 or to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St, Framingham MA 01701.