Evelyn Hannon

Evelyn Mae Hannon, age 82, of Glendive, formerly of Moonachie, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care Facility in Glendive. A Life Tribute Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 14, 2005 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Celebrant Sandy Silha officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements. Evelyn was born on July 15, 1922 in Bayonne, New Jersey, the daughter of Clarence and Grace (Wood) Benton. She was raised and educated in Bayonne, New Jersey, graduating from Bayonne High School in 1941. She went to work for the Colgate Company in Jersey City, New Jersey. She also worked as a nurse aide during World War II. During the war, she met Walter Hannon on a blind date. Following Walter's military service, they were united in marriage on October 20, 1945 in Bayonne, New Jersey. In 1951 they moved to Moonachie, New Jersey where Evelyn worked in the Personnel Office at Melnor Industries until her retirement in 1983. Evelyn moved to Glendive to be near her daughter on March 1, 2005. She was a member of the Senior Citizen's Center and enjoyed traveling with her friends to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. She also enjoyed playing bingo and her trips to Atlantic City. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband on March 20, 1983 and two brothers-in-law, Edmond Hannon and Robert Hawes. Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Granmoe and her husband Ray of Glendive; three grandchildren, Troy Granmoe and his wife Kim and their children Justin, Brittany and Kristen of Morrisonville, New York, Kelly Rhoads and her husband Tad and their children Tate and Caden of Laurel, Montana and Tad Granmoe of Jamestown, North Dakota; sisters, Grace Hawes of Bayonne, New Jersey and Ethel Kledt and her husband Norman of Fair Lawn, New Jersey; a sister-in-law, Betty Hannon of Branford, Connecticut; nephews, Glen Hawes, Bob Hawes, Ed Hannon and Evelyn's special caregiver, David Kledt; nieces, Linda (Kledt) Greulich and Mary Ellen Hannon. Eulogy by Celebrant Sandy Silha: Before we begin eulogizing Evelyn, we should all be aware of a couple of things. The first is the monkeys by Evelyn’s casket. Evelyn’s grandson, Troy gave Evelyn the big monkey several years ago and Evelyn found the small monkey herself. Those monkeys sat on Evelyn’s couch for the last three years and kept her company. These monkeys were very special to Evelyn. The other thing we should be aware of is that Evelyn did not like eulogies. She felt eulogies made people sad and tearful, and she just didn’t care for that to happen. Evelyn preferred life to be happy and upbeat. A life tribute service is to honor and remember the life of someone we hold dear, and should be a safe time and place to feel sadness and grief, and to cry. Let us try to do this life tribute service Evelyn’s way. If you feel a sadness welling up inside or a tear trying to work it’s way out, please… smile, if not with your face at least with your heart, for Evelyn. Evelyn Mae Hannon began her 82 years of life on July 15, 1922 in Bayonne, New Jersey. The middle daughter of Clarence and Grace Benton, she grew up to be a sweet, generous, independent, upbeat woman who knew and spoke her mind. As Evelyn grew up, one of the skills she developed early was sewing. In the video there was a snapshot of Evelyn taken at her eighth grade graduation. Evelyn had made the dress she wore that day. Her skills as a seamstress would be put to good use over the years. After high school, Evelyn worked as a nurse’s aid for a while. Evelyn also worked for Colgate. Lynn recalls Evelyn being impressed with their big clock. And of course, after high school was World War II. Evelyn became engaged to a young man, but he was killed during the D-Day invasion. She met Walter Hannon on a blind date, and when they became engaged, she took him to meet the parents of the young man she had previously been engaged to. That was her way, and as was also her way, these people remained friends with her and Walter for many years. Walter and Evelyn were married in Bayonne, New Jersey, on October 20, 1945. In 1951, they moved to Moonachie, New Jersey, where they lived and raised their only child, a daughter, Lynn. Their lifestyle was modest but comfortable, and when Lynn was about twelve her mother went to work in the Personnel Office of Melnor Industries, a company that manufactured sprinklers. Evelyn’s job provided the money for Lynn to perform and compete in rollerskating. Evelyn did not drive, so it was Walter who saw to it that Lynn got to practices and all her other activities, while Evelyn would stay at home and work on sewing Lynn’s skate costumes. She wanted Lynn to achieve her performance dreams in style. Evelyn was conscious of appearances. Lynn’s recalls that her mother tended to worry what the neighbors would think, and this was not to Lynn’s benefit. When Lynn returned home from a date, Evelyn didn’t want the neighbors wondering what was going on in that parked car. If Lynn lingered too long saying goodnight to her date, the outside light would start going off and on. That was Evelyn’s way of helping Lynn say good-bye to those young men. When Lynn began dating Ray and brought him home to meet her parents, Evelyn greeted him with “So you’re the cowboy that wants to take Lynn away.” She pointed to the couch and told Ray he could stay there. Ray asked Evelyn if that was where she wanted him to sleep. “Yes, and that’s where I want to find you sleeping in the morning.” Evelyn’s way was direct. Although Lynn was the major focus of her parent’s life, other family members and a large circle of friends were very important to them also. Even after Walter’s death on March 20, 1983, Evelyn, doing things her way, kept the friendships going. She would have the ladies over to her house. Evelyn would bake pies and cakes for the ladies and then, because Evelyn was diabetic, she would send all those baked goods home with her friends. These were dear, lifelong friends, some she had known for over fifty years. If you were part of Evelyn’s life, you stayed part of her life. Evelyn valued the relationships she had with family and friends, and nothing was more important. And as was Evelyn’s way, you could always count on Evelyn to be there for you. Although many miles separated Evelyn from her grandchildren, she made it a point to be part of their lives and get to know them. As Troy, Tad and Kelly were growing up, Evelyn came to Glendive to visit often. She was here for the big events, graduations, proms, holidays, Troy’s homecoming from Iraq, weddings, and as she would tell, she caught all her grandchildren the first time they over-indulged with alcohol. Troy remembers her visiting one summer at fair time. He and some buddies had gotten into the beer behind one of the fair booths. When he got home, he wasn’t able to slip by Grandma Evelyn. She always thought that was humorous. One of the things everyone liked to do when Evelyn visited was to pack up the big, gray Merc and go fishing at Fort Peck. On one of these outings while they were at the lake fishing, Kelly needed to do something in the trunk. When Lynn gave Kelly the keys to open the trunk, Lynn reminded her not to lock the keys in the car. Well, Kelly got in the trunk and managed to lock the keys in the trunk. It began to rain, so, all the lawn chairs, fishing poles, coolers, grandma, and kids got crammed into the car and backseat. Lynn had an extra ignition key and as they drove back to the hotel where they were staying, it dawned on Lynn that they need not have jammed everything into the car; the trunk could be opened with a button in the glove box. Evelyn laughed about that for years. One of Evelyn’s favorite sayings was “oh brotha.” Kelly had just gotten her learner’s permit to drive. Evelyn was visiting, and Lynn and Evelyn took Kelly out on a country road to practice. Lynn had taken a cooler of ice, because she liked to chew on ice, and away they went. There was some new, loose gravel on the road and when Kelly hit it, she lost control of the car and they took a wild ride into the ditch. The cooler went flying and smacked Evelyn in the face, spilling ice all over. Of course, they all were a little shook up. They decided to walk to a nearby farmhouse to get some help, and on the way, Evelyn walked through some poison ivy. By the time they got back to town, Evelyn had two black eyes and a big itch. “Oh brotha.” Tad’s memory of Evelyn’s visits, were of the hideaway bed in the TV room that Evelyn slept on. When Tad would wake up in the mornings, he along with Troy and Kelly, would crawl in bed with Grandma Evelyn and snuggle in until she was ready to get up. Evelyn and Walter would always try to visit over the Christmas holidays. Ray’s family celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve, and Ray’s mother Helen, would always include Evelyn and Walter. Evelyn, Walter and Lynn had always celebrated on Christmsa Day, so Lynn would invite Ray’s parents, Helen and George over for that day. Over the years, Evelyn and Walter, and Helen and George became good friends. After Walter died, Evelyn didn’t come at Christmas anymore because holiday travel was so difficult for her to do alone. But she and Helen continued to exchange gifts. During Evelyn’s final days here in Glendive at the nursing home, Helen spent her mornings and afternoons keeping Evelyn company. One thing Evelyn could always count on, was Lynn fussing about her hair. One of the pictures in the video was Lynn fixing Evelyn’s hair for a New Year Eve’s outing. Evelyn thought Lynn sure “worried about her hair a lot.” Evelyn and Lynn both enjoyed these hairdressing moments. Another thing Evelyn could always count on when she arrived, was Ray’s greeting, “When are you leaving?” Evelyn would then ask, “Why do you want to know?” Ray’s smiling response, “I don’t want you to miss your plane.” Evelyn probably said a lot of “oh brothas!” while in Glendive. But the road goes both ways, and Lynn and the kids also went to spend time in New Jersey. Ray didn’t get there much, because they never went in January when things slowed down for him to have time. Summer was the time they enjoyed going. Evelyn always took them to the beach for fun in the ocean and going to the amusement park to ride the rides and play the arcade games. Troy, Kelly and Tad called Grandma Evelyn “the Banker”, because when she was around she always paid for everything and was very generous in doing so. Kelly remembers going to New Jersey the summer of the Cabbage Patch Dolls. The arcade games had the dolls as prizes and Kelly wanted one in the worst way. The family spent several days playing the arcade games and about $300 of “the Bankers” money getting her a Cabbage Patch Doll. When Lynn and the kids visited New Jersey, they would always fly. One of these trips got pretty exciting for them. Troy was about twelve and into karate. When Ray delivered Lynn and kids to the airport, Troy had on a ninja belt and a butterfly knife in his pocket. He didn’t make it through the scanner. After a stern lecture by airport authorities to Troy and his parents, Ray took the confiscated weapons home with him. After an uneventful flight and arrival to Grandma’s, the fun began. One of the things Evelyn had planned was a tour of the New York Stock Exchange. When they got to the Exchange and went inside, Troy saw the big metal detector and knew he was in trouble. He pulled Lynn aside and told her he had a butterfly knife in his pocket. Lynn couldn’t believe it, wondering where he had gotten it. Well, Troy had packed one in his suitcase. Lynn herded everyone outside. Evelyn didn’t understand what was going on. Lynn explained. “Oh brotha!” So under the watchful eye of the New York Stock Exchange security at the door, Evelyn had Troy carefully slip the weapon into her purse. Evelyn sent Lynn and the kids back in for the tour and she waited outside for them. Evelyn straightened out that dilemma her way. As for Tad, he was Grandma’s handyman. She would have a list of chores for him when he came to visit. And even “the Banker” had to marvel somewhat at Tad’s money sense. One summer visit, Evelyn took the family to the Meadowlands to the horse races. She would let the grandkids pick the horse and then she and Lynn would place the bets because the grandkids weren’t old enough to bet legally. Everyone was picking their horses to win. They wanted to win lots of money. Tad would always pick his horse to show. If your horse did show, you only got a small payback. Here was Tad buying pop, chips and all kinds of treats while the horses raced. “The Banker” couldn’t quite believe it, but Tad was the only one winning any money. And having a good time spending it in front of all the losers. When Troy left home after high school, he joined the army and was stationed for much of the time on the east coast. After the service, Troy stayed in the east, and so was able to visit his grandmother more frequently than the others. Troy enjoyed all the outings to the beach as a kid and Troy and his wife Kim were able to have their children experience great-grandma Evelyn and the beach/amusement park adventure. Kim also recalls how accepting Evelyn was of her. Even before her marriage to Troy, Evelyn made her feel like one of the family, inviting her to stop and stay on Kim’s trips between her home in North Carolina and New York. One of Troy’s visits with Evelyn was in 1998 as he was processing out of the Army. The processing was at a base near Evelyn, so Troy stayed with Evelyn for the four days this took. It was just one-on-one with Evelyn and they had many good talks about marriage and life in general. Troy got to know her as her own person and not just as a grandma. This was a special time for both Evelyn and Troy. Evelyn was raised as an Episcopalian. Lynn felt Evelyn would want some religion included in her life tribute service. Lynn has chosen music and a reading to reflect that. Let us now listen to the song “On Eagles Wings” played and sung by Patsy Fercho. Song: “On Eagles Wings” - Patsy Fercho Celebrant As Lance mentioned earlier, the family of Evelyn invites you to share stories and memories. Please come to the microphone so that all may hear. We will begin today with Rita Edwards, Ray’s sister and Lynn’s sister-in-law. Anyone else wishing to share may step forward after Rita finishes. Celebrant –Candlelighting and pennies ceremonies A person’s legacy is measured by the gifts she leaves behind. Evelyn’s legacy is that she gave a part of herself to each family member. At this time, Evelyn’s family will light candles for each of these gifts and for the memories they treasure. Also, you have probably have heard the expression “pennies from heaven”. The great – grandchildren, Justin, Brittany, Tate and Caden will be leaving pennies in Evelyns’s casket for her to take to heaven. The pennies from the great grand-kids represent their kisses to her. They will also leave pennies at Evelyn’s gravesite. As Justin, Brittany, Tate, and Caden go through life, when they find a penny, they will know that great-Grandma is thinking of them and returning a kiss from heaven. Lynn and Ray Lynn will light a candle for Evelyn as she remembers her mother’s sacrifices and Evelyn’s gift of dedication to her daughter’s happiness and success. Lynn will always carry a picture in her heart of Evelyn working into the wee hours of the mornings to hand finish her skate costumes; one bead, one sequin, one rhinestone at a time. One of Lynn’s fond memories is the many evenings playing bingo. When God called the last number, she won her trip to heaven. Ray’s memory is a bit on the light side…every time Grandma went to the Bahamas or traveling, Ray would shudder and think, “There goes more of my inheritance.” Troy, Kim and family Troy and Kim light a candle for Evelyn’s gift of acceptance and generosity. Evelyn made Kim feel a part of the family right from the start. Troy and Kim appreciated her generous ways with them and their children, and their most cherished memoriesof Grandma will always be of summer visits to her house and the shore. There will be a special place for her on the beach and in their hearts. Kelly, Tad and family Kelly will light a candle for the gift of fun her Grandma always created. Kelly will always remember the trips to Hershey, PA. that should have taken six hours but took two days because of the right turns that should have been left ones. Kelly also remembers the fun trips to Asbury Park and Sea Side Heights to swim in the ocean. She will never forget the first pair of Nike tennis shoes Grandma bought for her when she was in the third grade. The great memories Kelly and Grandma shared together will always be remembered and never forgotten. Rest in peace until we meet again. Tad When Tad gets married, he will reserve a dance for Grandma. Grandma had asked Tad to save one for her after the dance with the bride. Grandma was just making sure that she always be a part of Tad’s life. Tad lights a candle for the gift of presence. Grandma was an important presence in his life and will continue to be there in his memories. David David, Evelyn’s special nephew and caregiver, will light a candle for Evelyn’s gift of having a wonderful sense of humor. He will always remember their Monday’s of watching the comedy programs on television. Celebrant In January 2004,Evelyn’s health problems seemed to begin. It started with her shoulder, but there was more going on than that. Evelyn choose not to tell Lynn and the family right away. She didn’t want them to worry and she intended to handle it her way. She confided in her best friend Elsie about the cancer. She had watched both her mother and her husband succumb to cancer as well some friends. Evelyn had a definite idea about her course of action. A special nephew, David Kledt, was very close to Evelyn’s heart and he became her primary caregiver. David and Evelyn had always had a special relationship. When David had gone through a difficult time in his life, Evelyn had been there for him with love and support. David recalls having dinner with Evelyn on a weekly basis, sharing conversation and laughter. Evelyn would even share recipes with him such as her special chicken, basted with mayonnaise and coated with bread crumbs. He was always more than a nephew, he was a friend. When Evelyn’s problem with her shoulder began, David came and lived with Evelyn for a while until the shoulder got well enough for Evelyn to take care of herself. He saw to Evelyn’s needs both medically but also financially and tried to help keep up her spirits, and in general just be a good and caring friend. On a visit to Lynn and Ray before she got too sick, Evelyn was a bit crabby and was snapping at Lynn. It dawned on Evelyn what she was doing and she asked Ray what she sounded like. Ray replied “My mother-in-law.” That seemed to get her out of her bad mood, but she wasn’t feeling any better as time went on. Evelyn had decided that she would not take chemo treatments and would only do radiation as long as it did some good. In January of this year, Lynn went to New Jersey to be with her Mom and help get her through the radiation. The radiation did shrink the tumors and help stop the bleeding and lesson the pain. On March 1, Lynn moved Evelyn to the Glendive Extended Care Facility. David accompanied Evelyn on the flight to Glendive and remained several days to help with the adjustment and spend time with Evelyn. When David left, Evelyn missed him. One thing Evelyn was proud of even while being so sick was that her mind stayed sharp. And she didn’t lose her sense of humor. Ray stopped in to visit and Evelyn was resting with her eyes closed. Ray’s mother, Helen, was there so Ray started visiting with her about buying a jacket that was on sale and the money he had saved. It only had one problem and that was the zipper didn’t work. Could she, Helen, fix that zipper so he could wear his new jacket. No, Helen couldn’t do that. Well, Ray didn’t let it rest. Couldn’t she just put in a new zipper so he wouldn’t have to spend what he’d saved on the price of the jacket having someone else do it. Nooo…Ray kept needling his mother. Finally, Evelyn must have had an “oh brotha” moment and she piped up from the bed, “Ray, do you need some money?” One other time, Evelyn was having a difficult day. Ray mentioned that the Lord had given him a few passes during his life and would Grandma like to say a prayer with him. She said yes. Ray took her hand and stumbled through a prayer. When he finished, he commented that he hadn’t done so well. Evelyn remarked” Oh, that’s good enough!” And that’s how Evelyn was. She could cut to the core and see the value of people and understand what they were trying to accomplish. And she could appreciate it all. Both Evelyn and Lynn thought Evelyn had more time. But that was not to be. When Lynn left her one night last week, Evelyn was resting comfortably and peacefully. The next morning, Wednesday, April 6, Evelyn died. She had bore her cross long enough. Song: The Old Rugged Cross – Patsy Fercho Celebrant Lynn has asked Helen Granmoe to do a reading of the 23rd Psalm The 23rd Psalm Celebant Please be reminded of what was mentioned at the beginning of Evelyn’s life tribute service. She didn’t want sadness and tears. If you noticed sadness today, perhaps what you see is a quiet realization of the significance and impact Evelyn’s life has had on family and friends. And if you detected any tears, let’s hope they were tears of gladness for having had Evelyn in our lives. Gladness for the memories she has left with family and friends. It is these memories and stories we will share over and over, down through the generations. May our hearts be glad for the full life Evelyn lived. She did it her way.

Evelyn Hannon

July 15, 1922 - April 14, 2005

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Evelyn Hannon

July 15, 1922 - April 14, 2005

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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