PORTLAND — Evelyn (Thurston) Stevens of Boothbay died Sept. 5, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, following a brief illness.

She was born on July 5, 1915, at the Thurston family farm on Ellis River in Rumford Point. Evelyn was the fifth of ten children born to Lee Joel and Edith Martin Thurston. She leaves five siblings: sisters, Marjorie Burnham, Verna Luke and Janette Lamson and brothers, Marlin and Harmon Thurston.

Evelyn was the widow of James P. Stevens, who preceded her in death in 2002. They were married at the Thurston farm on Jan. 1, 1936. Together they raised seven children: Joel, Elizabeth, Edith, Ella, James Nathaniel, Jacob and Ellen. Another daughter, Judith, died in infancy.

During her early years, Evelyn attended a one-room school with her brothers and sisters. As a teenager she spent two years at Gould Academy in Bethel, eventually graduating from Stephens High School in Rumford in 1933.

Evie often said that all she wanted was to have “a lot of kids” and to live on a farm. Her dream was realized 1955 when the family moved to Eagle Ridge on the River Road in Boothbay. It was her home for the next 56 years.

Besides her siblings and children, Evelyn is survived by 23 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are two daughters-in-law, Judy and Margaret Stevens, both of Panama City, Fla.; and three sons-in-law, William Ibarguen and Merle Smith of Farmington, and Robert Newton of Boothbay.

Evelyn was also pre-deceased by a grandson, a great-granddaughter and four other siblings: Mortier Lafayette Thurston, Arthur Thurston, Helen Hanscom and Marion Ladd. Evelyn took great pleasure in her gardens and houseplants and was also an avid quilter and knitter. She was seldom without an apron preparing hearty meals for her family and whoever showed up at the kitchen door.

As one grandson observed: “A full cookie jar, a cup of tea, good conversation and a few chores were always waiting when you went to Grammy’s house.” In the end she was grateful for her long life and many blessings.

You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.