Obituary of Dorothy J. Evans

Dorothy Jean (Celmer) Evans passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at the age of 84, just two weeks shy of celebrating her 85th birthday. She was from the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, PA and was born on September 9, 1939, in Plymouth, PA to a beautiful young mother, Helen Catherine Celmer. Dot was married for over 62 years to her handsome silver fox, Richard D. Evans. They grew up in the coal-mine towns of Storm Hill and Scranton Patch, respectively, and married in 1959 shortly after he returned from serving in the army overseas. They moved to Gravel Hill in Parsons in 1963 where they lived for the next six decades amongst the absolute best neighbors. They shared a wonderful, long, and healthy life together, raising their daughters and looking after their grandchildren, instilling common sense, moral values, and unconditional love. Dorothy considered herself very blessed to have four daughters, who all married wonderful spouses: Sandra Mackey of Estill Springs, TN and her late husband, Joe; Bonnie Hough and Dirk of Chambersburg, PA; Lorrie Mull and Jeff of Harvey’s Lake, PA and Kellie Reinert and David of Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was the proud Gram (Bram) to seven grandchildren and was thrilled to be presented with the gift of three great grandsons this past year. Joseph R. Mackey, Hamilton, MT; Air Force Captain Dustin T. Hough and Lauren with great grandson Griffin James, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Sarah Kinney and Austin with great grandson Avery Joseph (aka Mini-Kinney), Olympia, WA; Shawn M. Maiers, Jr. and Julianna with great grandson Ethan George, Plains, PA; Riley Mull of Northumberland, PA; and Ruby and Scarlet Reinert, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Dot also has several nieces, nephews, and cousins and a very close family friend, Lisa Walker who has always treated Dot as her ‘Other Mom’. Gram stayed in touch with all her grandkids with a weekly Friday text message, always reminding them, “Don’t Do Stupid,” Love GnP. Dot is survived by her sister, Judith (and Henry) Kryeski of Kutztown, PA. She was predeceased by her mother and two brothers, Thomas James Evans (USMC) and Richard Paul Evans (USN); who both served during the Vietnam War. 2021 was a tragic year for Dot and her family as they suffered three significant losses: Sandi’s husband, Joe; Sadie Mae, the family beagle and then her husband, Dick suddenly passed away that August. Dot moved to TN for several months but became homesick and returned to PA to be closer to most of the family. She always wanted to live at the Wesley Village Campus in Pittston during her retirement years and moved in August of 2022 into her cozy new home. She enjoyed her independence and thrived while taking part in the daily activities. She made several close friends with other residents and members of the staff and genuinely enjoyed her time there. Dot loved to be surrounded by family and friends. The Evans’ household, especially The Front Porch, was always the place for family gatherings and celebrations. Dot had a unique way of making everyone feel welcome and accepted. She was thrifty, but also extremely generous and believed that ‘you reap what you sow, and it will be returned to you tenfold.’ She was an optimistic and happy woman who believed in living in moderation. Dot liked to keep her mind active with word puzzles, Bingo, Sudoku, and game shows. She hand-crafted personalized cards, made extremely creative and clever “money” gifts, and crocheted baby blankets full of love. Her favorite “movies,” as she liked to call them, were Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the last 45 seconds of Family Feud. She knew sign language, was ambidextrous, and an avid league-bowler back in the day; she had a green thumb, with African violets and the ‘jungle’ of house plants in the kitchen. Dot liked Broadway shows, escaping to her cottage at Harvey’s Lake and going to Florida to visit relatives and see the ocean. She and her sister Judie also enjoyed many trips to the Poconos and other places; often accompanied by her neighbor and close friend, Mary Ann Wills. They catered to The Queen and shared a lot of laughs and good times. Some of Dot’s favorite things were giant-sized margaritas, spicy wings, pizza, good chocolate, salty pretzels, and ice cream sundaes. She started annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland with her girls and the original four grandkids (OG’s) when they were quite young and continued for ten years. She hated the sand, but loved playing dominoes, the sound of the ocean, watching the waves, and a good thunder and lightning storm. Time spent with family was her priority and her daughters and grandkids thought she was the center of their universe. Dottie graduated from Wilkes-Barre Twp. High School in 1957 and attended several different schools throughout her childhood. Dorothy always said, “I never had a job I didn’t like.” She was a seamstress, an operator for Bell Telephone and a government employee for over 30 years, first at the Social Security Administration as a key punch operator/supervisor, and later at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. She held many positions at the VA, including Lead Clerk in Pharmacy, Executive Secretary to the Chief of Fiscal Service and Purchasing Agent. She was proficient in shorthand, typing and computers, which she embraced being at the forefront of this innovative technology. Dottie also worked for Target Homes and was last employed by the Area Agency on Aging of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties as the Manager, then Alternate Manager at the various senior centers. She was a big advocate for seniors’ rights and loved the fellowship. She finally retired two weeks before turning 80. She was innovative, organized, and a true leader in the workforce. She was a practicing Christian and devoted member of the Parsons Primitive Methodist Church; where she served on the Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the Benevolent Fund, and Ladies Aide. She also stayed connected with The Messiah Primitive Methodist Church, Bear Creek. She was a kind, loving and accepting woman and has been a precious friend to so many. While she will be missed forever, her lingering presence will continue to influence all the lives that she has touched. The family will arrange for a Celebration of Life in October or November of 2024. Family and friends are invited to attend; specific details of the upcoming event will be made available through social media and other avenues. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Hospital would be appreciated to help children with cancers. Eat your dessert first, be safe, and don’t do stupid. You are My Sunshine and My Happiness! LOVE<3.