Evelyn Blanche (Chouinard) Rich

Evelyn B. Rich of Stannard. VT passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home and family on Sunday, May 28, 2023 following a 20 year battle with COPD. 

Evelyn was born in Stannard on May 30, 1942 to Joseph and Marjorie (Sheltra) Chouinard. She married Benjamin H. Rich on May 21, 1960 at St. Michael’s Church in Greensboro Bend and beginning their 47 years together, raised eight children, all of whom remained no further than a 30 minute drive away.

When the nest was mostly empty, our brother Darrel as well as a couple grandchildren stayed to help Evelyn. The rest of the family is eternally grateful to Darrel for his dedication to mom knowing the last few weeks were especially difficult.

Evelyn will be tenderly remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend and will forever be missed. Holidays were a favorite time to gather with her cherished family, creating memories and delicious food. As a stay-at-home mother, she cared for her children with the help of her mother. Our huge dining room table was surrounded daily at meals for eleven people- no small feat. 

She eventually began work outside of the home and found her place at Cabot School, serving as custodian for years which she really enjoyed. In addition to working at the school, Evelyn taught Sunday School, volunteered for many events in the area including Stannard Old Home Day, Game Suppers, Chicken Pie Dinners, and acted as Green-Up Day coordinator. She especially enjoyed being involved with the annual Hunter’s Breakfast at the Stannard Town Hall in the early 1990’s and once the event transitioned to St. Michael’s Church Hall in 2001, she could be found helping there every year until 2018. 

As things began to slow down, Evelyn enjoyed watching birds from her nook at home and seeing the blooms on her rose bushes and lilac trees. She also took great pleasure in drinking her coffee while petting her beloved dog, Rover who never left her side. 

Her final days were full of visits from loved ones including a spa day of pampered hair and an annual summer manicure of her favorite shade of red by her granddaughter, Megan. 

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, her husband, three sisters; Florence Riendeau-Dubey, Jeanette Bedor and Burnadette Riendeau-Gallant, three brothers; Emile, Roland and Ernest. She is survived by her sisters, Lorraine Bellavance and Beatrice Riendeau, and brother, Leonel Chouinard as well as eight children and their significant others, 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one more expected in September. Evelyn also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 5-7pm at the des Groseilliers Funeral Home, 97 Church Street, Hardwick.  Burial will be private at St, Michael's Cemetery in Greensboro Bend.  Donations in Evelyn's memory may be made to the Town of Stannard in care of Connie Withers-Rich (Town Clerk) P.O. Box 94, Greensboro Bend , VT 05842.  Condolences and memories of Evelyn may be conveyed to the family at dgfunerals.com.

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