Evelyn Hawthorne
Evelyn Hawthorne, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Santa Barbara community, passed away peacefully in her home on November 7th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Frank Hawthorne.
Evelyn was born and raised in Montecito as one of twelve children. She devoted many years to raising her five children in Santa Barbara, embracing her role as a homemaker with unwavering love and dedication. Later, when she joined the Simon Residence, she extended her nurturing spirit beyond her own home, faithfully supporting the Simon family for more than 30 years. As her children grew and she welcomed grandchildren, they became her greatest joy and the light of her life.
Her warmth extended far beyond her family. Evelyn was involved with JDRF, a cause that held special meaning for her, and she volunteered with the The Assistance League after her retirement. She loved the beach, music, dancing, animals, shopping, and taking road-trip adventures with her family—simple pleasures that reflected her desire to make memories with the people she loved.
The holidays were Evelyn’s favorite time of year. She poured her heart into creating a magical atmosphere, decorating her home with joy, love, and intention. Children, neighbors, and family felt the spirit of celebration the moment they approached her doorstep.
Evelyn poured her life into her family and community, guided always by the values she held dear: faith, generosity, and a love as limitless as her spirit. She touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She remembered small details about people, making each person feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for.
Whether you knew her as Evelyn, Mom, Grandma, Mamaw, Evie, Mrs. H or Granny Goose she loved everyone with her entire heart. Evelyn’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith. She served joyfully and wholeheartedly, embodying God’s hands and feet in every act of kindness, comforting word, and life she touched. Her familiar saying, “Love you more,” was not just a phrase but a truth she lived by. She is survived by her five children: Jeff, Todd (Patti), Colin (Sharon), Jason (Leanne), and Wendy (Steve); and by her “favorite” seven grandchildren: Cindy, Sara, Ben, Heather, Katie, Ray, and Grace.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her care team and to her dear friend, Delphina, for their compassion, care, and steadfast love.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 7th, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Palm Park Beach House. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather and honor the life of a woman whose love was boundless.
Heaven truly gained an angel. She will forever be missed, but her legacy will live on in each one of us. Love you to the moon, the stars and back again.
