Evelyn was well-educated, feisty, and determined,” Br. Al Smith says. “She always had a passion for St. Vincent’s, the community, and racial and social justice. WORTHY OF RECOGNITION
Her life’s achievements were not overlooked. Evelyn received numerous awards and honors: a recipient of the Aid for Friends Rita Ungaro-Schiavone Award given for extraordinary volunteer service and long-term commitment to the isolated, frail, elderly, and disabled homebound; an affiliate of the Congregation of the Mission; a member of the St. Martin de Porres Committee, an early advocacy program for promotion of an annual Black History Month; a recipient of the St. Vincent de Paul Award presented to those who reflect the values and virtues of St. Vincent de Paul; and the Daughters of Charity Award for her services for the spiritual family at St. Vincent’s.
TOP to BOTTOM: Evelyn holds one of her great-grandchilren. Always smiling and energetic, Evelyn’s legacy will always be remembered. Evelyn and her husband, Marion, on their wedding day in 1958.
She was also generous to a fault, making annual contributions to Catholic Charities, Special Olympics, African charities, Philadelphia Library Fund, St. Martin De Porres School, paralyzed veterans and wounded veterans organizations, and The Miraculous Medal Shrine.
DYNAMIC ‘TIL THE END
Sadly, in September 2018, Evelyn was hospitalized with a torn aortic valve. Fr. Peterka recalls visiting her in the hospital the Sunday before she died. As he entered the room, he was greeted by a half dozen parishioners, who came to visit her. She died a few days later. Photos courtesy of the Rogers Family
But even though she is gone, her words still echo in the hearts of her family and friends, and the halls of St. Vincent’s parish community: “One person can make a difference. It doesn’t matter where you come from; it’s all about where you’re going.” SPRING 2019 | 45
