Evelyn Catherine Christian (Walsh), 100 of N. Andover, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Lawrence General Hospital. She was the widow of the late Walter Christian with whom she shared 18 years of marriage before he passed away.
She was born on March 1, 1923 in Charlestown and was a daughter of the late Walter Walsh and the late Mildred (Driscoll) Walsh. She grew up in Charlestown and Somerville, living with her grandmother Catherine Driscoll. While residing in Charlestown, she played an active role in her church community, particularly at St. Francis Church many years ago. In her 90s, she relocated to North Andover to be closer to her family, maintaining an independent lifestyle until the age of 97.
Evelyn worked as a caregiver for the elderly, assisting in various households. Her gift of gab allowed her to effortlessly make friends wherever she went. She took great joy in caring for those around her, with a special focus on being a great nana and spending quality time with her grandchildren, never missing any of their events.
Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Catherine Petillo and her husband Louis of N. Andover; her grandchildren, Stephanie Petillo of N. Andover, and Jennifer Peavey and her husband, Stephen of Windham and her great granddog Cooper. She is also survived by two sisters, Joan Lightizer of CA, and Donna DeCrescenzo of SC; and three nieces, Laura DeCrescenzo, Kimberly DeCrescenzo, and Michelle DeCrescenzo Esposito.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, the late Linda Christian; her son, the late Walter Christian; and her siblings, the late Doris Lightizer, the late Lois Lightizer, and the late Eileen Walsh.
On Saturday, November 25, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-10:30 a.m at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury 978-851-2061.
Her funeral mass will be offered at 12 noon at Saint Francis de Sales Parish, 303 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA; followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.