Evelyn Lucille Czaia, age 95, passed away on November 22, 2020, from COVID-19, and returned to the eternal love of her creator. Evelyn was born in Denver, Colorado, on August 30th, 1925, to Gilman and Eva Carlson, and spent her childhood in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where she was valedictorian of her high school class, and then attended business school. She later moved to Minnesota where she married Warren Czaia in 1947, and devoted the next 35 years of her life to raising her large and loving family in Southeast Minneapolis. As a mother, Evelyn was creative, pragmatic, and always positive, with an unflappable ability to keep the calm amidst the chaos of her twelve children. She sewed her children’s clothes, whipped up healthy army-size dinners every night, including dessert, and gracefully divvied up chores to run a ship-shape operation, with no complaints. She guided her children through example to be responsible, kind, open-minded, accepting and generous with everyone, and to have fun.
At the age of 46, Evelyn entered into the workforce, and opened up a new and exciting chapter in her life. Ever civic-minded, she became a leader in her Southeast Minneapolis community, first as community liaison for the nationally recognized Minneapolis educational experiment “Southeast Alternatives”, and presenting the work in Washington, DC and Boston. Later she worked as community resource coordinator for Tuttle School, developing a large volunteer program, creating parenting curricula and laying the groundwork for what was to become the Parent Puzzle. She then entered into work at Eastside Neighborhood Services, identifying the needs and serving the elderly in her community, coordinating Meals on Wheels, outreach services, and mental health. She was the go-to person for help and services in the community, and the home phone rang constantly with calls for assistance or trusted advice. In retirement, she volunteered extensively, continuing her many years of service as treasurer and trustee of St. Lawrence Church, fundraising for the Southeast paper and preparing taxes for the elderly until she was well into her 80’s.
Evelyn lost her dear husband and partner, Warren after 44 years of marriage, but never relinquished her life-long passion for learning, adventure and fun. She traveled with her sisters in Elder-Hostel programs all over the world, and then, seven years later at the age of 73, married Camille Andre, for another 19 years of happiness, travels and loving companionship.
Evelyn was mother extraordinaire to twelve adoring children and their spouses, loving spouse to two wonderful husbands, grandmother to 33 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 35 great-grandchildren. Never claiming the title, she was the beloved matriarch of our large family. She embraced the individuality of each of her children, encouraged them to find their own unique paths to happiness, and instilled in them the belief they could accomplish anything. Her strength, zest for life, and tenacity enabled her to experience life’s countless joys and adventures, and also buoyed her through the tragedies of loss, including two sons and two husbands. Through all, her resilience, patience, humor and love were unwavering.
Evelyn was also a trusted friend, role model, mentor, and champion of endeavors, with a deep well of knowledge. She focused on helping others, giving her best, and recognizing the inherent good in everyone. Her contributions to her church, her community and those in need around the world were committed and generous, and she lived a life where each challenge was an opportunity to learn and evolve.
Always looking to the next adventure or undertaking, she traveled with friends and family to over 30 countries from the hinterlands of Patagonia and Central America to South Africa and down the Rhine River. She took up watercolor painting in her 70’s and honed her skills to capture her appreciation for the beauty of nature in her botanical art and flowers.
In all, she was a woman of substance and stature, keen intellect and curiosity, pragmatism and wisdom, deep faith and great kindness, who embraced love and lived life to its fullest.
There is never a time we can say we don't need our mothers, even after they are gone, and the time we have with them is never enough. Our years ahead will be filled with laughter and tears as we remember and miss sharing a beer, watching a ball game, traveling together on a far-flung adventure, exploring an art festival, reliving a story, accompanying her to church, family gatherings, watching 60's TV, vacations at the lake, and simply every moment we were privileged to share with her. We will miss her, in all the ways that live in the hearts of so many that were touched by her life. We will miss the love and extraordinary presence of our dearest Evelyn.
She will be greatly missed by her surviving children, Phyllis Haensel (Paul), Ellen Elavsky, John Czaia (Joan), Maryjo Jerve (Mark), Roger Czaia (Karen), Charles Czaia, (Robin), Janet Czaia, (Toby Rapson), Frances Czaia, (Ian Davis), Melinda Czaia, (David Feider), Margie Zdechlik, (John) as well as stepchildren, Louise Kuester, Jeanne Andre, Suzanne Jiwani, Paul Andre, and Maureen Andre-Knudsen. She is now reunited with her sons Warren Czaia Jr. and Dennis Czaia, and spouses Warren Czaia and Camille Andre.
Her family will be forever grateful to Christy Holland and all of the loving staff of Parkwood who cared for Evelyn in a challenging year. Their dedication and commitment provided cherished opportunities to share her last days. We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a charitable organization of choice. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 10:00am at St. Lawrence Church for the immediate family. Live streaming of the Mass will be provided at https://bit.ly/czaiafuneral
A celebration of life will be held at a later date when larger attendance is possible.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18