1932 – 2013

LEWISTON — Evelyn Woods Ladner, 80, of Lisbon Falls, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Evelyn was born in Portsmouth, N.H., on Nov. 7, 1932, the daughter of Phillip E. and Medston C. Woods. She graduated from Gardiner High School and Farmington State Teachers College, with a degree in home economics.

She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Spencer Ladner, on June 20, 1953. Evelyn and Richard had a loving union of 55 years, until his passing in September 2008. The couple had three children, Jeffrey, Victoria and Jonathan, and seven cherished grandchildren.

Evelyn shared her love of the home, both as a homemaker and as a home economics teacher in Old Town, Gardiner, and at Auburn Middle School. Evelyn had a loving and giving spirit, sharing her talents in sewing, crafts and cooking with her beloved friends, family and neighbors. Evelyn got the greatest joy from opening her home to friends and family, whether it be a full house for a holiday dinner or just a cup of tea, or a baked treat and a talk with a close friend. The door was always open, there was always an extra seat at the table, and she always made you feel welcomed and loved.

She shared her love of children as an educator, a Cub Scout leader and a Girl Scout leader. She was active in the Lisbon United Methodist Church, serving the community on the outreach committee there.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Jeffrey E. Ladner and his wife, Reem, and their children, Max and Kade, of Burlington, Vt.; her daughter, Victoria L. Nackley and her children, Meredith, Jocelyn and Phillip of New Hartford, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Jonathan and Julia, and their mother, Cheryl Gonyou of Haverhill, Mass. Evelyn is also survived by her brother, Robert C. Woods and sister-in-law, Margaret, of Foxboro, Mass. Evelyn leaves behind many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, family, neighbors and friends.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Richard Ladner; her son, Jonathan Ladner; son-in-law, Michael Nackley; parents, Phillip and Medston Woods; and brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and June Woods.

“Year by year, her beauty grows, with the growth of goodness, kindness and true happiness — above all with loving.” — Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore, 1869