Evalyn Oswald Wren

Evalyn Louise Oswald Wren, 96, of Little Rock, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother - the beloved matriarch of her family, and ardently devoted to her Catholic faith.

Born December 14, 1922, in Little Rock, Evalyn was the daughter of Joseph and Anne Olberts Oswald. She was the widow of David Allison Wren whom she married November 27, 1952. She is survived by her children: Amanda Crosby (Scott), Leslie Ward (David), Susie Kitterman, Vince Wren (Cheryl), Dan Wren (Suzanne), and Keith Wren (Amy), all of Little Rock; Dr. Allison Shimizu (Craig) of Cleveland, Ohio; and her daughter-in-law, Christina Wren, of Little Rock. She is also survived by her 22 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren (and another due in April), who all adored their Mimi and loved spending time with her. She was preceded in death by her son, Chris Wren, her son-in-law, Greg Kitterman, and her siblings, Norbert Oswald, Edward Oswald, Julian Oswald, Carolyn Bruich, and Marilyn Mernah.

Evalyn attended St. Edward Catholic School as a child, and graduated from Mt. St. Mary Academy in 1940. She attended Little Rock Junior College (now UALR).

Prior to marrying, she worked for the USO, Catholic Social Services, and Reynolds Metals Company. She also worked for Gulf Oil in Houston, Texas, shortly after she and David married. Later, in addition to raising her children, Evalyn worked alongside her husband in their family businesses, including Pilou's Barbeque Restaurant, Wren's Grass Farm, and American Medical Rentals which continues in operation today. She and David were truly partners in all aspects of their lives.

All through her life, Evalyn was an active volunteer and belonged to many organizations, often serving in the capacity as President. She volunteered as a Red Cross Gray Lady during World War II, and later as a room mother or PTO officer at the schools her children attended. She was also a member of Catholic Business Women, St. Edward Christian Mothers Sodality, Altrusa International of Little Rock, the Woman’s City Club, Forty Listeners Book Club, and served on Board of Directors of the Gaines House for almost 30 years. She enjoyed and was proud of her participation in all of them, and made many dear friends through those associations.

Evalyn was an excellent cook and baker, starting from the age of 12 when she took over the kitchen while her own mother worked in the family grocery store. She read cookbooks like others read novels. She will be fondly remembered for the many delicious meals and treats she prepared for her family, her talent for whipping up something from seemingly nothing, and famously duplicating favorite restaurant offerings. Her many recipes are treasured by her family.

She also loved to talk, as anyone who knew her would attest. She had a sharp memory and was always willing to share her wonderful stories and knowledge. She passed down the history of her family and David's through many delightful conversations, usually over coffee, with her children and grandchildren. Those visits and discussions with her will be dearly missed.

Evalyn was a devout Catholic and lifelong communicant of St. Edward Catholic Church, having been baptized, confirmed and married there. She also belonged to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church. She spent many hours praying the Rosary and in Eucharistic Adoration at both Holy Souls and St. Edward before her health declined. Her strong faith sustained her and was especially evident in her outlook on life. Her family takes comfort knowing that she is reaping her eternal reward in Heaven with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, and a Rosary will be prayed for Evalyn at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 20, at St. Edward Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with interment immediately following at Roselawn Cemetery. Contributions in Evalyn's memory may be made to the following: St. Edward Catholic Church, 801 Sherman Street, Little Rock 72202; Mt. St. Mary Academy, 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock 72205; Gaines House, 1702 South Gaines St, Little Rock 72206.