Name: Visitation for Lucile Friese Evans
Start: 2023-08-11T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-08-11T12:00:00.000Z
Location: Heritage Funeral Home

Lucile Friese Evans
Died: August 6, 2023 in Berwyn, IL
Lucile Friese Evans, 94, of Berwyn, Illinois, passed peacefully at her home on August 6, 2023, surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law, and the love and warmth of her family members, dear friends, and her faithful caregivers. Lucile was born in Chicago, the youngest of 4 children. She made Berwyn her home starting in 1952, when she met Arthur Dunham Evans, and then married him at her much-loved Berwyn Presbyterian Church. At her wedding she was described as a vision of loveliness, a sentiment that was still present in her final days. Together they raised two wonderful children, Ellen Lucile Evans and Steven Arthur Evans. She lived at her beloved Dunham Manor for over 70 years, making the now historical residence part of her legacy.
She attended Morton High School, and then Carroll College for her Education Degree, and then Chicago State University for her Master of Education.
She was employed as a PE teacher at the Geneva Public Schools, and then at the Berwyn and Cicero Grade Schools and Morton High School. Her love of music, church, community, and local politics was endless. She served on various boards and committees and supported many local organizations; her most adored being the Pav YMCA, Berwyn Public Library, and the Kiwanis Club. She coordinated various passion projects throughout her life in Berwyn, including, but not limited to, Project 88, The Moving Vietnam Wall, the WW 1 Memorial, and the Berwyn Historical Society. She loved hosting events at her home, such as concerts, many garden parties, and two weddings, most significantly being her grandson's in 2021. She was an avid tennis and golf player and loved gardening and reading. Most endearing was her knack for socializing; her memory was impeccable, and she never met a stranger. She continuously gave to her community, and her love for her neighbors and devotion to Berwyn was inspirational to all she encountered.
Lucile was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Dunham Evans in 1973, her daughter Ellen Evans Arnold in 1999, her second husband Hubert "Bert" Tanis in 2000, her three siblings, and many other dear friends, relatives, and loved ones.
She is survived by her son Steven Evans (Susan Ranker-Evans), son in-law James Arnold, grandchildren Kate Arnold, Alex Arnold (Alison Sunseri), and Kyle Evans; great-granddaughter Lucile Rae, and countless friends and neighbors.
A visitation and service will be held from 10am-12pm on Friday August 11 at the Heritage Funeral Home in Berwyn, with a private burial to follow at Mount Auburn cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berwyn Historical Society and the Pav YMCA.
We will remember Lucile for her extraordinary resiliency through hardship and loss, her passion for her community, and the love she had for her family, who were the center of her world. In her final days, Lucile's wishes were to "always keep the music in your heart, and the flowers in the garden."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Aug. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Lucile Evans

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation, LLC - Berwyn.

16 Entries

Margo Ruark

August 31, 2023

In 2009, Lucille Evans walked into my newly opened Peace Center on Stanley Ave. From the very first moment, Lucille exuded curiosity, encouragement, and generosity of spirit. She immediately befriended me and our mission of bringing something uplifting and positive to the Depot District. Later she graciously invited me to some of the wonderful events she hosted in her beautiful home. With her natural charm and elegance, I was impressed by her great love for Berwyn and its people! These beautiful tributes show how her light touched so many. Godspeed Dear Lucille!

My gym teacher from Irving School

August 12, 2023

I´ll never forget our gym classes and her playing records while we would be doing warm up exercises to the "Chicken Fat" song lol She always has pep in her step! Every day for class she would wear a different tennis skirt. Prayers to the family and those whose life she impacted.

Scott

August 11, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rev. Maria Rojas-Banda

August 11, 2023

Lucille will be missed!
She was a member of Unity Lutheran Church of Berwyn and supported Unity in different ways. She invited Unity and Undad to come and have a picnic in her backyard for the last couple of years, opening her home and heart to all.
Rest eternal grant her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her.
Amen
Rev. Maria Rojas-Banda
Unity Lutheran Church of Berwyn

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Cindy Alonzo Howard

August 11, 2023

Mrs Evans was an amazing women. Even after 50 years she Remembered all of our names. We had some great times in Gym class and always remembered her chicken fat dance. We so enjoyed our visits at her home. She will be missed Dan and Cindy howard

Carol Walega

August 10, 2023

Our family will remember Lucille fondly. She was a Berwyn gem.
Doug, Carol, Julie and Kevin Walega

Bihun Family

August 10, 2023

Loved Mrs E. One of my favorites at Irving School. Very nice and kind lady. She will be missed.

David Olson

August 10, 2023

Lucile generously offered her home and backyard for our marriage ceremony in 2014. We will always remember her with gratitude, not only for that but also the affirmation, encouragement an support she gave us and so many others. Thank you, dear friend Lucile! -- David Olson & Rick Torres

Brenda Pulley

August 9, 2023

Mrs.Evans was my gym teacher at irving school. So fun and friendly. Fly high in Paradise Mrs. Evans

Brenda Pulley

Denise Dobuck-Lyons

August 8, 2023

Dear Mrs. Evans, you have inspired me to follow in your footsteps and you always had an open door to your home.
You were a wonderful friend and mentor.
You will truly be missed!

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Gilbert

August 8, 2023

Our family had the pleasure of Lu as our wonderful neighbor for 23 years. She will be greatly missed.

Ann Filmer

August 8, 2023

Lucile was a wonderful supporter of all things Berwyn. She hosted many 16th Street Theater benefits and a wonderful reading of Arlene Malinowski's play at her beautiful historic Dunham home. So many good times, conversations and memories. What an inspiring woman who did it all. Lucile was always the life of the party with her generous and inquisitive spirit. We love you Lucile! Berwyn will not be the same without you

Peggy Rus-Mcguire

August 8, 2023

Mrs. Evans, I will always remember you from 1970-1974 Irving School Gym teacher. You were always so much fun. R.I.P.

Stepanek Family

August 8, 2023

Lucille will surely be missed!! She was a wonderful woman!! She always made a point to ask about each of my children by name. She wanted to know how they were doing and what career paths they've chosen always with interest, it just wasn't small talk it was genuine. RIP heavenly angel!

Mark and Diane Weiner

August 7, 2023

Lucile was our first friend in Berwyn.

Mark and Diane Weiner

John Schroeder

August 7, 2023

My Dearest Pen Pal - Lucile entered my life with an invitation to exchange letters about four years ago. We only talked once to agree to entertain each other with written stories of our interests and our past. Through the years we discovered many common interests and shared precious memories. I will continue to honor her memory each time I hear wonderful music or see the beauty in nature.

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