Lucy Evans Obituary

Lucy P. Evans (nee Pumilia)
Died: September 28, 2025
Lucy P. Evans (nee Pumilia), age 97, of Brookfield, formerly of Indian Head Park and Riverside, passed away September 28, 2025. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Anthony and Jennie (nee Sabella) Pumilia from Sciacca, Sicily. Beloved wife of the late Albert Charles "Ace" Evans. Loving mother of Christopher (Catherine Abbs) Evans and Kathleen (Stephen Spada) Evans. Devoted grandmother of Rebecca Sage, Cassandra Vanek, Caitlin Sanders, and Hayley Sanders. Dear sister-in-law of the late Helen (late Alphonse) Alekno. She survived 8 brothers and sisters. Cherished aunt of many beloved nieces and nephews. Friend to many. All will remember her wonderful sense of humor.
She so enjoyed telling people about how she fell in love, meeting her Navy husband-to-be (Ace) at a dance in New York City while he was on leave. He literally swept her off her feet. She LOVED to dance. She would tell you that as a Girl Scout leader, she had an impact on the life trajectories of many young ladies, many of whom she still counted as friends. She was an avid bowler and golfer, enjoying her time in leagues of both sports. She loved her flower gardens in Riverside, making it a colorful place to grow up. She always played a part in her local Parish, St. Anthony's in Cicero, St. Mary's in Riverside, and St. John of the Cross in Willow Springs.
She was an active member in the Red Hat Club. She did not miss opportunities to go to the theater or concerts. She was a long-time patron of Drury Lane Theatre, as well as other surrounding theatres. Lucy was definitely a fan of old movies from her era…her favorite being Gone with the Wind. Though she was a good cook, she never missed an opportunity to eat dinner out. Or lunch. Or breakfast. She loved the cruise life, her first taken with Ace and her children 50 years ago. She never missed a chance to ride on a Zip Line…once. She went on safari in Africa. Her enjoyment of the Disney Parks was one of her weaknesses, having visited Disneyland in 1955, its opening year, and Disney World in its opening year, too, and many times since. She truly enjoyed her early marriage years in southern California, saying that she would have been happy if she and Ace had settled there, but as a New York girl, she followed her heart instead and settled in Chicago's suburbs.
Lucy had a long career as a nurse, both in hospital settings and in the medical department at Reynold's Aluminum in McCook IL. Her love of travel brought her to her second career as a travel agent. Over her years, she traveled to many countries and all seven continents. She spent nearly 30 years as a Docent/Volunteer at Brookfield Zoo. The final chapter of her life was making new friends at Cantata Woodlands.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:00AM. Her memorial Mass follows at 11:00 AM. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The American Cancer Society or The American Parkinson's Disease Foundation appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500 or HJfunerals.com.