Evelyn Rowbottam

Evelyn was born in 1919 in Los Angeles, and was one of five children. She survived her siblings by many years, and as her family, we can only attribute her longevity to her positive attitude, her strong work ethic, and her successful marriage, which seemed to fuel her happiness. As many of her generation did, she and her husband, Frank, lived through the Depression, World War II, and had many other experiences that we, as her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, can’t even imagine. Evelyn and Frank were happily married for 72 years, until his passing two years ago.

During the War, while Frank was away in the service, Evelyn worked at various jobs to make ends meet. She climbed on airplane wings to put gas in airplanes, worked in childcare, as well as at Douglas Aircraft and a major utility company. She proudly saved all she earned to enable them to have a down payment for a small house once the war ended. Her thriftiness was a habit she lived by and it served the two of them well, as their American dream was always to own a home and be able to live comfortably and independently.

In their later years together, they traveled to many U.S. states and foreign countries, almost always driving their GMC R.V., or renting a car. Their adventures were numerous as they often ventured a bit off the beaten track. Other than traveling with the GMC club, our mom loved gardening and belonged to the Garden Study Club for many years, as well as a flower arranging group. She had a love of art, and was a fantastic artist herself, but never displayed her work, and often denied her talent.

Evelyn had more than her share of health problems along the way, but was never one to complain and never wanted to burden her family and friends with her issues. She was a fabulous cook and kept her house, which was her pride and joy, spotless. It was always obvious that care of her family was her most important priority in life.

As children, we always noticed how much empathy she had for those in need. She treated everyone with kindness and respect, and quietly touched many people’s lives with her caring, loving qualities. Our family has been blessed to have been taught, by example, good values and morals, and the premise that hard work can lead to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Thank you to all residents and staff at Wood Glen Hall who treated Evelyn with such kindness and friendliness. She couldn’t have spent her final years at a more caring facility, and we wish to publicly thank Joan, the director, and Diane, head nurse, for their readiness to help in every situation. Also, many thanks go to the staff at Mission Terrace for their care of Evelyn during her final days.

Evelyn lived a full life. She is remembered with love by her son, John Rowbottam (Jamee), daughter Kris Zapata (Bob), grandson Michael Zapata (Julianna), granddaughter Nicole Williams (Bret), six great- grandchildren, as well as friends and extended family. To fulfill her wishes, a private memorial will be held, with no further services planned.