Evelyn Mae Werner

Evelyn Mae Werner, formerly of Palmer Township, passed away peacefully Friday morning, September 10, 2021 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth. Born October 12, 1921, in Kesslersville, she was the eldest of 8 children born to the late Francis J. and Anna Bender Frace. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter J. Werner Sr. with whom she celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2002. She truly was his “Evie.”

A graduate of Easton High School, class of 1940, Evelyn later attended the former Churchman’s Business College in Easton. She worked for Binney & Smith Co. and for a short time was their representative of Schall Finger Paints at Macy’s Dept. store in New York City. Later, along with her husband Walt, Evelyn was the co-owner and operator of Sportman’s Café in Easton, from 1958 until retirement in 1985.

“Ev” was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantel Church, the Easton YWCA Cosmopolitan Club, Savvy Seniors at Easton Hospital and for decades was an advocate for the Bethlehem Special Olympics. She enjoyed good times, a good laugh and a good game of pinochle, meeting monthly with the same dear card club friends for over 35 years. Previously involved in her children’s activites, she was a girls’ softball coach for Palmer Twsp., and a volunteer for Bethlehem Special Olympics, receiving a special award for decades of dedication and service. Since the 70’s she spent every weekend enjoying her summer home on Lake Wallenpaupack boating, or watching all the water activities. The “cottage” was always full, and the day would always end with a gathering on the front porch; Ev made the snacks as others made the drinks. Although her interests were varied, she liked to travel, and occasionally go out for dinner but Ev excelled at a few things that included being the family photographer, fast driving, excessive shopping and cooking, especially cooking! She was a wonderful mother who provided a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for her family. Her heart was strong, and as a girl who grew up during the Great Depression, she frequently and quietly extended help to those in need. She never forgot her roots, or her family. She was a resilient woman who led an amazing life, her presence will be forever carried forward with unique and special memories shared by all her knew her. She truly was one of a kind.

Known as “mom, mammie, gram and grandma” Ev will be loving remembered and missed by; son Richard Werner and his wife Rebecca of Allentown; daughter Patricia Werner of Nazareth; 1 grandson Michael Werner and his wife Denise of Nazareth; 4 granddaughters, Denise Werner and her fiancé Tim Wenrich of Saylorsburg, Janyne Ackerman of Palmer Township, Jacquelyn Gargone and her husband Mike of Wilson Boro, Heather Trouy and her husband Andy of Wasilla, AK; 1 step-grandson, Ryan Kunsman of Philadelphia; 15 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Betty F. Stocker, Gloria “Dolly” Kachline and husband Dale, and Dawn Trimble; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 2 sons, Walter J. Werner Jr. and Gregory C. Werner; 1 sister, Virginia Hahn and 3 brothers, Francis “Honeyboy” Frace, Elwood “Dick” Frace and Edwin “Caesar” Frace.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday evening, September 15, from 6 – 8 pm in the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth. A closed casket visitation, will be held Thursday, the morning of September 16, from 10 – 11 am with a funeral service to follow at 11 in the funeral home. Evelyn will be laid to rest at the family gravesite in Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Township.

Online condolences may be expressed at schmidtfuneralhomepc.com. Memorial donations may be offered to “Bethlehem Special Olympics – Pennsylvania,” PO Box 536, Bethlehem, PA 18016.