Evelyn "Evie" Whalen's Obituary
Evelyn “Evie” Whalen passed peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023 into the welcoming arms of her Savior Jesus. She was born in Bayshore, NY, to Herman and Lyda Bowers Reitz on July 30, 1934, the younger sister of Herman Eugene Reitz. She was born again at age 9 while attending First Baptist Church in Stuart, FL.
Evelyn’s early years were spent in the Lake Ronkonkama area of Long Island, but after “wintering” in Florida for a few years, Evelyn’s family relocated to Jensen Beach in 1939. She grew up and attended schools in Jensen Beach and Stuart, FL, graduating from Stuart High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation she began studying Music at Stetson University in Deland, however, her college plans were preempted by a marriage proposal from her favorite sailor, Harold Whalen, Jr. who was stationed in Key West. They were married in May 1953, and bought their first home together in the Pine Manor neighborhood in Stuart.
Harold and Evelyn raised two boys, Harold III (Rollie) and David, in Stuart, FL. They attended kindergarten at the United Methodist Church in Stuart where Evelyn taught for sixteen years, and continued their education through Martin County public schools graduating from Martin County High School. The Whalen family were faithful members of First Baptist Church in Stuart where Evelyn enjoyed singing in the Adult Choir and leading the Youth Choir and Girls’ Ensemble. Harold and Evelyn moved their membership to North Stuart Baptist Church in 1972, and later relocated to Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, and nearby Tavares. Evelyn was the Bible scholar and prayer warrior of the family, diligently studying and mentoring children, youth, and adults, rightly dividing the Word of Truth for more than 50 years.
Evelyn enjoyed music throughout her childhood and adult life whether playing piano or singing. She had a wonderful soprano voice and was a featured soloist with the North County (Palm Beach) Choral Society, but her first love was sacred music. She frequently partnered with Mrs. Pam Rinker (alto), also of Stuart, FL, in near-angelic duets bringing praise and glory to their Savior and King at First Baptist Church and North Stuart Baptist Church.
For 66 years Evelyn and Harold enjoyed investing their lives and love in family and friends -- pontoon boating on the St. Lucie River, summer camping in North Carolina, dinners out at a favorite restaurant, jitterbuggin’, a card game or two, a short cruise to the Caribbean, and spoiling grandkids with regular visits to Disney World. Both the Whalen boys moved away from the Stuart area after high school, so Harold and Evelyn spent a lot of time in the car or on airplanes going to visit kids and grandkids. Affectionately known as Mema, the grandkids and great grandkids always had a welcoming lap to curl up on for a good story, silly finger play, or favorite song.
Evelyn is survived by her son, Rollie (Vicki) Whalen of Jensen Beach, FL, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration Service will be held for local family and friends at Family Church North Stuart (1950 NW Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994) on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00am, followed immediately by lunch. An informal graveside service will also be held at Taylor Cemetery in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1:00pm for friends in the Lake County, FL, area.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Relentless Pursuit, Family Church North Stuart, 1950 NW Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994 (https://gofamilychurch.org/give/) or Shiloh Family Ministries, P.O. Box 220, Middleburg, NC 27556 (https://www.campkerrlake.org/donate).
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