Evelyn Nancy Boudakian Crowder

Nazalie "Evelyn" Boudakian Crowder, age 97, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023 in Visalia, California. Evelyn was born in Yettem, California on March 7, 1926 to Hacher and Mary Boudakian. She was the oldest of 5 children, and the first of her Armenian family to be born in the United States.

Raised in the Yettem area, Evelyn attended the Lovell Grammar School. In fact, it was her grammar school teacher that called her Evelyn, and it stuck. Evelyn was also the first in her family to learn how to speak English and she interpreted for her parents who only spoke Armenian.

Evelyn graduated from Visalia High School in 1943 and because of her outstanding clerical skills, she was selected to work in the Flight Records Department at Sequoia Field, where, in preparation for the U.S. entry into World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps provided the primary phase of training for air cadets. After the closure of training operations, she worked for the Selective Service System, issuing Honorable Discharge cards to soldiers returning home from World War II.

Evelyn continued to excel in her clerical and administrative career and worked in many notable environments including the Tulare County District Attorney's office where she served as top secretary, supervisor, and liaison-coordinator between the District Attorney's office and various County offices. In 1959, she was invited to become the executive secretary to John W. Lynch, Second District Board of Equalization Member. She worked with Mr. Lynch until 1981 when she transferred to the Tulare Unit of the California Department of Forestry where she was employed until she was hospitalized earlier this year!

Evelyn loved many things including her family, serving her community through various committees and organizations, her church, and sports. In fact, she was the catcher for the Central Valley Traveling Baseball League's Visalia Hornets. She coached the team in 1950, leading them to the championship! She was also a fantastic bowler and claimed that sports were "her thing!"

Evelyn is survived by sister Lucille Margosian, brother Jack Boudakian, step-son David (wife Trish) Crowder and their daughters Katie, Maggie, Molly and their families, and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Hacher Boudakian, husband Sherman L. Crowder, brother Charlie Boudakian, brother Harry Boudakian, step-son Robert Crowder, brother-in-law Amos Margosian, sister-in-law Kathryn Boudakian, sister-in-law Patricia Boudakian, nephew Aron Margosian, nephew Randy Boudakian, and "honorary brother" George Margosian.

Evelyn will be missed very much, and her family members will always remember what she wrote to them in every birthday and Christmas card...BE HAPPY!

A visitation for Evelyn will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291.

A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 14395 Avenue 384, Yettem, CA 93670.

A graveside service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Evelyn's memory may be made to St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, PO Box 367, Yettem, California US, http://www.stmaryyettem.org/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Boudakian Crowder family.