OBITUARY: Evelyn Roy

Evelyn B. Roy, 94 passed away peacefully on March 7 in her home in Lebanon, TN in the loving care of her family, her home The Pavilion, and Hospice. Evelyn was born on January 24, 1931 in New York City to German immigrant parents Fritz and Mimi Brand. She spent her life focused on her 61+ year marriage to her husband Jack, her extended family, service to others, and her favorite causes.

Evelyn graduated from Julia Richman Public High School of New York City and quickly joined the workforce. But she decided early on that a career in Nursing is the path that she wanted to follow. She trained as a registered nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital where she got the best training of and for her life, and met classmates who she treasured throughout her life and kept in touch with through the years. She rose to be Head Nurse of the hospital floor in which she worked. She continued a line of Nurses from the Roy family which spanned 3 generations at one point.

It was at Lenox Hill where she met her future husband, John (‘Jack’) Charles Roy, an intern at the hospital. They were married on July 17, 1955 and were married for 61+ joyful years. They had their first children Christopher and Nicholas both born New York City. Their daughter Cynthia was born in Alaska while Jack was serving his USAF tour of duty as an Orthopedist at Elmendorf AFB.

After Jack’s USAF tour was completed, they moved and settled in Morristown NJ to be close to both of their parents. While Jack started his practice, Evelyn focused on her family and service to the community. She started participation and support of the growing Morristown Memorial Hospital, becoming active at Grace Lutheran Church in Mendham, NJ, became Board President of the Friends of Fosterfields (a historical preservation group), and served as the first President of the Growing Stage Children’s Theatre in Netcong NJ. Her willingness to help others was probably best exemplified by her and Jack’s willingness to open their homes as a refuge for those escaping impossible circumstances and helping them get on their feet in a new home (America).

Also during this time, Evelyn and Jack traveled extensively around the world. Travel, Evelyn would say, opens your eyes to the whole world and helps you understand yours better. A good vocabulary (which she mercilessly emphasized to her children) helps you express your understanding.

After Jack retired, they moved to Lebanon, TN (after a 10 year stint in Spotsylvania, VA) to be closer to their son Nicholas and his children Nick Jr (Ansley) and Isabella. It was there that they became members of Faith Lutheran Church and met many new cherished friends.

She was preceded in death of her loving husband Jack in 2017 and their daughter Cynthia in 2008 (the saddest day of her life). She is survived by two sons, Chris (Kathy) and Nick (Lisa). Cynthia (Roy Malmrose) had two children Andrew and Jana (Rick Ertmann). Chris had two children, John II and William. And Nick Jr and Ansley gifted the family with Evelyn’s first great grandchild Millie. Evelyn leaves a large extended family, all of whom she cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Faith Lutheran Church in Lebanon, TN. A celebration of life ceremony is being planned for June.