Evelyn Myrtle Emilia (Carlson) Burgess

Evelyn was born into the Albert and Emilia Carlson family on Dec. 18, 1922. Waiting for her arrival were her five older brothers: Edwin, Alphon, Evald, Frank, and Fridolf. The daughter of immigrants, Swedish was her first language. Growing up in North Easton, MA during the Great Depression, Evelyn had the responsibility of helping with the household. Her brothers encouraged her to attend college, a luxury few could imagine during that time and relatively unheard of for a woman. Boston University was her choice and she commuted daily earning her degree in Practical Arts and Letters. She taught English and Business courses at the high school level instilling the love of education and life-long learning in each of her children. She attended a church group in Brockton, MA where she met the love of her life, Rodney Burgess. They married directly after WWII and started their family: Lynda Borjesson (Bill Lewis), David (Barbara), Paul (Jan), Jean Taormina (John) and Merilee Ruttger (Jim).

Evelyn’s greatest pleasure in life was caring for her large active family, which she often balanced with being a public school teacher. Even with moves to New Jersey, where Rod’s international travel assignments became more frequent, and Pittsburgh, PA, Evelyn kept the household running and the family well loved. When they retired to Cape Cod in 1985, Evelyn and Rod created a new home, constantly welcoming waves of grandchildren and other visitors. Evelyn lived her last two years in Door County, WI.

On weekends Evelyn and Rod frequently entertained visiting missionaries, church friends, or relatives. Evelyn was the one behind the scenes preparing dinners, readying the house or corralling the children. She was the quiet force making these events happen. Her family loved her homemade lasagna and she made it often when they visited. The measure of her devotion was the fact that this family favorite was made in the heat of summer, baking for an hour without benefit of air conditioning. She would smile that it took only minutes to be completely devoured.

Church was central to Evelyn’s life where she participated in choir, Bible Studies, Sunday School, youth and women's ministries and the library. She and Rod modeled a Christ centered marriage to five children, 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Evelyn loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a woman of great faith. Quiet in her devotion but always interested in learning and studying the Bible, Evelyn was a prayer warrior. Throughout her life, her children and grandchildren looked to her Christian example of servanthood.

She entered into her Savior’s presence March 9, 2018.

Calling hours will take place at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Route 134, S. Dennis, MA 02660 on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 10 am to 11 am followed by services 11 am to 12 noon. Evelyn will then be laid to rest by her husband Rod at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the nurses and staff at Scandia Village for their care and support of their mother these two past years.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to:

Pioneers-USA 10123 William Carey Drive, Orlando, Florida 32832-6931

(Note on check “In memory of Evelyn Burgess”)