Nellie Evans

DELMAR - Nellie Jane Danforth Evans was reunited with her husband, her parents, siblings and God December 1, 2011. She was born April 21, 1919 in Absecon, New Jersey and left this life surrounded by the love of her family. Nellie was the wife of Robert Carlisle Evans, who died in 1999. Nellie was the daughter of Harold and Mildred Danforth, of Absecon, New Jersey. Nellie is survived by her devoted sons: Norman and his wife Anne and their daughter Sarah Talbot Danforth of Maryland, Jeffrey and his wife Nancy and their son Alexander Heath Carlisle of Stillwater, New York, and Douglas of Frederick, Maryland, and his companion Dail McElroy, and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are several dear friends who meant so much over the years. Nellie was pre-deceased by her brother Lewis Danforth, her sister Rosemary Clanton and her sister Nancy Houseworth. Nellie spent her childhood years in New Jersey. While growing up, her father was given assignments for I.T.&T. in South America, and their family lived in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Nellie met her future husband at a church youth group in Hempstead, Long Island. They were married in June, 1942. Shortly thereafter, Robert was drafted into the Army and they lived in a number of locations from Maine to Florida during the war years. Their three sons were born while they lived in Farmingdale, Long Island Nellie was committed most to her family. She and Bob moved to Delmar in 1958 from Farmingdale and made their home in the community, raising a close knit family. Nellie and her husband believed in time-honored values, beliefs and traditions and passed along these standards to the next generation. Recognizing the importance of a good education, they supported the Bethlehem Central School District and its programs. Nellie and Bob insured a college education for all three of their sons. They encouraged their sons in career matters. Nellie and Bob were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Delmar. The Church was home to them. The Church was central to their lives and their beliefs. All three of their sons joined the Christian community in this Church. Nellie was active in the Friendship Club, the Progress Club, and the Mary Martha Society. Nellie and Bob supported the Church with their time, energy and prayers. They had many strong friendships through the Church and many fond memories. In return, they drew great strength from the Church, its members and its Pastors. In particular, Nellie was very grateful for the support of Reverend Sherwood ("Woody") Carver. Reverend Carver was with Nellie during the final illness of her husband, and he provided Nellie great comfort after Robert's death. Nellie was an active member of the Delmar and Bethlehem community. She worked for 20 years for City and County Savings Bank in Delmar. She treasured the memories of the many fine people she was able to help at the Bank. Through Robert's membership in the Rotary Club, they were active supporters of the Bethlehem Festival Fund. Nellie loved to garden. From the lilies of the valley planted in the backyard with help from her father to the magnolia tree by the road and the black eyed susans along the side of the house, the yard was always alive with life and color. She enjoyed walking and bicycling around Delmar with her husband. They also took pleasure in canoeing on the Mohawk River. Nellie liked cross country skiing at the Elm Avenue Park. Nellie saw much of the world. In addition to her childhood years in South America, she traveled as an adult to Italy, Canada, Mexico and Britain with Robert. They saw much of the United States from Cape Cod, Florida and North Carolina to Arizona, California, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii. Viewing hours will be on Wednesday, December 7 from 4 to 7 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue in Delmar. A service will be held at the First Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Avenue, in Delmar Thursday, December 8 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Albany. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nellie Evans's name to the Bethlehem Festival Fund, P.O. Box 341, Delmar, New York 12054 or the First United Methodist Church of Delmar, 428 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, New York 12054.