Evelyn Rose Caramella

Born in San Jose to Joseph and Rigoletta Gai (both deceased) she outlived her beloved twin sister, Evonne (Ernest) Rossi, and brother, Al (Dorothy) Gai. Supported by close family, she suddenly lost her husband Henry (Hank) Caramella in 1967. Despite her heart-breaking loss she persevered and went on to provide her daughter, Susan (Robert) Hager, and son, Robert Caramella, a loving and warm home. She was a devoted grandmother to Hank (Terra) Hager, and great-granddaughter Kylie. She is missed by many loved ones, including Evonne’s children, Chris (Craig) Carlson, and Rick (Phyllis) Rossi, Al’s daughters, Caren (Stu) Warshaw, and Janet (Mike) Snodgrass, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She leaves behind a very sad, “devil “cat Polly, and many dog friends, (with very bad hair days), that she could pet forever.

As a toddler, the family moved to Bonny Doon (Burn’s Station in the Santa Cruz Mountains) where the siblings went to San Vicente Country School. Evelyn fondly recounted stories of her time in the mountains. The family moved back to San Jose, settling in Willow Glen when she was 13. She was Valedictorian at graduation from Willow Glen Junior High, attended Campbell High for two years before graduating from Lincoln High. She attended San Jose State prior to joining the Accounting Dept. at Hammer’s Clothing Store. After her marriage in 1949, she worked as Bookkeeper at Borchers Bros. Construction until the birth of her children. After being widowed at a young age Evelyn re-entered the workforce in 1968. She returned to work at Borchers, and served as Assistant. Office Manager and Head Bookkeeper until they closed. She loved her work and co-workers and remained friends with many until her death. She provided loving care for her mother until Rigoletta’s death in 2003.

Evelyn was busy over the years, serving as PTA President, receiving an Honorary Life Award, a member of the El Camino Chapter of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), organizer of WIC’s annual Barbary Coast Bust, social planner of Boobs (Borchers out of Business), active member of Elks Lodge #522, earning Elk of the Year in 2011. She adored her Wednesday meetings with her friends The Yarn Spinner’s. She crocheted numerous blankets for O’Connor Hospital babies, Veterans, and friends. She loved any color of blue and polka dots, dancing, playing in the waves at the beach, swimming, arranging flowers, and any animal she met including snakes (but not spiders-eek!) Evelyn was our Angel on Earth (a term she resisted) and still counted many, many close friends. She was surrounded by love in life as she was in death.

Special thanks to her main caregiver Michelle, and Little Rose and Violet, and Seasons Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the American Heart Association. Graveside services are private at Oak Hill Cemetery. Personal stories can be shared and would be greatly appreciated by her family.