Evelyn M.C. Dudley

PORTLAND -- Evelyn M. C. Dudley, 81 of Portland, passed away peacefully at The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on April 18, 2010, after a long illness. She was born on June 6, 1928, in Portland, in a house her father built. She was the daughter of John W. Cooper Sr. and Annie R. Train Cooper. Evelyn, one of seven children, was raised in Portland and graduated from Deering High School.

For many rewarding years Evelyn worked for Maine National Bank in several capacities. While at the bank, she met George A. Dudley, and in 1963 they were married. The couple shared many years of love and happiness living in her family home and caring for her mother.

Following the death of her husband in 1982, Evelyn felt very blessed to have her son Nelson reside with her throughout her life. Evelyn was active in the Women's Woodsford's Club as well as a member of the board of the Eunice Frye Home in Portland. She had many interests in her life including gardening, canning and preserving, sewing, knitting, upholstering, stenciling and caring for her friends and family.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Nelson E. Dudley of Portland; and step daughter, Donna A. Dudley of San Francisco, Calif. She is survived by siblings, Helen Pride of Falmouth, John Cooper of Windham, and Gertrude Gavin of Windham. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Leon Cooper and Ralph Cooper, as well as sister Dorothy Crandall.

The family would like to thank the Gosnell Hospice House and the HomeHealth Visiting Nurses for the wonderful care she received. Evelyn herself has requested that a special thank you be extended to the Weathervane Restaurant in South Portland for the staff's ongoing courtesy and concern for her as her health diminished.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Visiting hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Evelyn's guestbook.

Anyone who would prefer to make a contribution in lieu of flowers can do so to the:

Sjšgren's Syndrome Foundation

6707 Democracy Boulevard

Suite 325

Bethesda, Maryland 20817

www.sjogrens.org

Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Services

199 Woodford St.

Portland, ME 04103

207-775-3763

www.jonesrichandhutchins.com