Etta Evelyn Mahler

Etta Evelyn Mahler was born near Birmingham, AL on December 8, 1930, and she passed away at the age of 94 on December 16, 2024. Evelyn was the fourth of six children born to James Troy Oliver and Nettie Velma Brooks. Her life was forever changed at the age of seven when her beloved mother passed away in childbirth. This profound experience shaped Evelyn's life, teaching her the value of resilience, compassion and selflessness. As the eldest daughter, she learned skills that would serve her well throughout her life.

Evelyn married Thomas Howard Mahler in 1950, a local boy who became the love of her life. Together they embarked on a life of adventure, serving 22 years in both the Navy and the Air Force while raising their family. Evelyn was the quintessential Navy wife and mother, dedicating her life to creating a loving home for her family, sacrificially putting others before herself. Her two children, Patricia and Michael, were her pride and joy, and her life revolved around providing them with a nurturing environment, making their clothes, their meals, and creating many happy memories as they traveled the country on duty. The young military family moved repeatedly from Florida to Arizona to Alaska, making lifelong friends along the way, and Evelyn's years in Alaska were a particular lifelong joy. Evelyn was a champion of the underprivileged, a passionate animal lover, and a meticulous housekeeper who took great pride in her appearance and in her home and family.

After retirement from service, Tom and Evelyn settled in Orlando, FL in 1966, and Evelyn went on to work in the offices of George Stuart and Motorola, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

In 1980, Tom and Evelyn fully retired to a life that revolved around their five adored granddaughters, travel and their love of square dancing. Devoted grandparents, they never missed a 4H show, a ballgame, or a birthday party. That is, unless they were traveling to all 49 contiguous states in their RV or on a cruise, which Evelyn particularly loved! They especially enjoyed traveling with Tom's brother Frank Mahler and his wife Betty, who was Evelyn's best friend for life.

Evelyn was a believer in the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and her faith grew stronger as she aged. She worshipped at Parkway Baptist, Eastland Baptist, and finally at Orlando Baptist, where she particularly enjoyed the senior group, Young at Heart.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of fifty years, Tom and her brothers, JT, Harold, Carl, and Gerald. Evelyn is survived by her sister Mae Lamberth, her sister-in-law, Betty Mahler, her children Patricia Mahler and Michael Mahler (Lyn), her grandchildren Adrienne Hartman (Joe), Shana Mahler (Brent), Elena Welsh (Jimmy), Brittany Friis (Zach), and Kristin Springstead (Chancey), and 16 great-grandchildren, Ella, Amelia, Emerson, Evelyn, Avery, Gwendolyn, Thatcher, Emery, Delaney, Lillian, Cooper, Grady, Beau, Camille, Izzy, and Maribelle. Evelyn leaves behind a legacy of selfless love and devotion to family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 2, 2025 at 11:00 at LifePointe Church, Eustis, Florida. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider Tunnel to Towers Foundation. If you would like to send any Flowers you are welcome to contact Seasons Florist at 407-852-1956 or visit: www.seasonsdesignstudio.com or you are welcome to visit https://www.beautifulflowersforyou.com/