In Memory

Evelyn Smith (Smith DeMille)

Evelyn Smith (Smith DeMille)

Obituary for Evelyn Smith DeMille (Smith)

SMITH DEMILLE, Evelyn F., Age 76, of Arlington, originally from Cambridge, passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2022. Beloved wife of the late John “Jack” DeMille and devoted mother to Jonathan S. DeMille (spouse Amanda L. Staples) and Abigail R. Fear (spouse Matthew Fear). Dear daughter of the late Robert E. Smith and Francis E. (Bucelwicz) Smith; and loyal sister of the late David P. Smith, late Robert D. Smith, Gerard T. Smith, late Barbara L. Smith, and Richard G. Smith. Her greatest pride was to be Grammy to Cortland A. Staples DeMille, of Virginia, and Felicity R. G. Fear, of Massachusetts. A life-long learner, she earned her bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University, and master’s degrees from Simmons College, School of Social Work and Harvard School of Public Health. Evelyn was a dedicated social worker for more than thirty-five years. Evelyn loved spending time with family, Disney World, and working tirelessly to support charitable organizations aligned with cancer and diabetes research.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington, on August 13, 2022 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with memorial service to follow beginning at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to Joslin Diabetes Center (https://www.joslin.org/support-joslin/ways-give).

 

2015 Arlington Rotary Person of the Year

https://www.keefefuneralhome.com/memorials/evelyn-smith-demille/4997440/obituary.php



 
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08/08/22 09:13 AM #1    

Bonnie M. Lewis (Hayner)

She was one of my best friends in High School, Northeastern, and life including being in my wedding party.

She worked tirelessly for Diabetes research after being diagnosed our senior year at Northeastern.

She was the Rotary Citizen of the Year in 2015


08/08/22 10:03 AM #2    

Doris A. Duggan

I am so heartbroken by the loss of my darling friend "Cookie".  We met the first day of school in first grade at the legendary Crosby School and were neighbors in the Veterans Housing Project in East Arlington until 1964. So many happy (and some sad) memories over the years.  We spoke just last month and she sounded like her old self and was so excited to be meeting her new granddaughter, Cortland, in person this summer. Hope she did get to meet Cortland. Rest in peace my dear, dear friend.

Dodie Duggan

 

 


08/08/22 12:19 PM #3    

Robert W. Shepard

I am so sorry to read of Cookie's passing. I remember her with great fondness. It was great to catch up with her at the committee meetings for the 50th reunion. She will always hold a special place in my heart.  Rest In Peace, Cookie. Condolences to her many friends and family. 
Charlotte


08/08/22 05:35 PM #4    

Walter R. Smith

REPOSTED FROM MESSAGE FORUM

I just received the email about Cookie's passing...

I first met Cookie in '53, when I was 6 years old and had just transferred (from St. Agnes) into Miss Toomey's 2nd Grade class at the Crosby School.   I was a cheeky towheaded kid with a "boy soprano" voice and was assigned to sit behind a chubby girl I would grow to love like a "sister" for the rest of my life. 

We survived the Crosby School fire and were partners for both First Communion and Confirmation at St. Agnes.  She was my first date at the Capitol, and my Junior Prom date in '63.  We both went on to Northeastern and often sat together to "catch up" as we commuted on the MTA. 

Life intervened and I ended up in California for 25 years before returning to Arlington in '94 to help my folks.  I'll never forget my first night at Town Meeting in '97 when somebody snuck up behind me, covered my eyes, and asked, "Guess who?"  It was like we had never parted!  We chatted often over the next few years at Town Meeting and at the Sanborn Foundation table on Town Days.  I became her willing chauffer when we served together on the AHS '64 50th Reunion Committee, and I fondly remember one night we were talking outside on her front porch and her daughter (who lived downstairs) caught us hugging goodnight.

My last enduring memory of Cookie was when she received the "Person of the Year" award from the Arlington Rotary in 2015.  I was thrilled to see her recognized for her selfless service to our community and could not have been more proud to share that moment with her.

We lost touch after she retired.  Our friendship was truly unconditional for 69 years and I felt like she enjoyed seeing me as much as I did her whenever our paths crossed.  I knew she had health issues and now regret that I didn't make an effort to see her.   Arlington, and the planet, has already become a lonelier place without her.

{{{HUGS}}}

--> WALT

 


08/09/22 12:26 AM #5    

Karen P. Hauser (Mahoney)

I will miss the friend that has been a part of my life beginning at the Crosby School, in a Girl Scouts, walking to the Junior High  East and stopping at the Dairy Queen after school, Sharing many activities at AHS. Working together on committees in Arlington, being able to share in teaching dance to Abigail,  A true friend!!!!!


08/10/22 10:11 AM #6    

Georgia E. Pappas

My memories of Evelyn "Cookie" started in the early years at Crosby with Miss Twomey -- and also Miss Connolly, I believe.  It's no surprise that Cookie is remembered by many for her dedication to others.  She was a very giving child and extremely friendly.  I remember Cookie and Kathleen Roper vividly -- for very different reasons.  Cookie was dedicated to the church and wanted to enter the Convent, and Kathleen was a very daring child --  often getting all of us in trouble.   From a very young age, Cookie was commited to assisting and guiding others.  Rest in peace Cookie.

 

 

 


08/13/22 08:07 PM #7    

Walter R. Smith

I bade farewell to Cookie today at Keefe's Funeral Home, wishing more of our classmates could have attended her life celebration.

I was humbled and thankful to have the opportunity to stand before her family and friends to share personal anecdotes of our loving 69 year "sibling" relationship.  Me being me, I slipped in some humor, and was warmed by the smiles and head nods of those who shared Cookie's love.

It's evening now.  I can barely remember anything from before I knew her.  With misty eyes, I sit in a profound silence of utter emptiness and melancholia.  Sometime later tonight -- I can't handle it yet -- I'll try to seek "closure" with a few sips of red as I delete Cookie from my contact list.  

To paraphrase the tearful parting words of her son Jonathan, "If you loved my mother, please go out and do something good for somebody."  Nuff said...

--> WALT


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