May I introduce the reader to my beloved wife, Evelyn Marie Zimmerman. Evelyn was born Feb. 21, 1947 in Madison, Wisconsin. Evelyn died Jan. 4, 2020 at Life Care Center in Port Townsend, Washington, after a heroic four-year struggle with frontotemporal dementia. She was almost 73 years old.
Evelyn joined the U.S. Army in September 1970. Ten years later in 1980 she was honorably discharged as a Specialist Six/Sergeant First Class from the regular Army. She then enlisted in the Washington State Army National Guard. She served another 10 years and was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard in 1990.
During her 20 years of military service, Evelyn trained as a Clinical Specialist/Medical Corpsman/LPN, serving during the Vietnam War in the beginning of her military career. Evelyn was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Washington Army Commendation Medal and Recognition of Honorable Service as a Retired Reserves Staff Sergeant First Class and an additional certificate of appreciation. It meant a great deal to Evelyn to serve her country.
After retiring from military service, Evelyn spent the next 20 years working as a Licensed Practical Nurse on the oncology floor at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. She was known as the best nurse to take blood as she was able to do it without causing her patients pain. Her patients would tell her, “It didn’t even hurt.” She provided thousands of patients with kind and compassionate care, making a difference to them during their stressful ordeals.
Evelyn came from a large family with three brothers and one sister. As a child growing up, she spent summers at a beloved Aunt’s farm. She often reminisced about those times on the farm; taking care of all the animals was so much fun for her. Evelyn truly loved animals, especially dogs, cats, horses, and birds. Her love of animals and nature was a large part of her spirituality. Evelyn blended Goddess spirituality with elements from Native American practices, such as the Medicine Wheel. This combined spirituality was Evelyn’s way to honor and revere feminine energy and all the elements of the universe.
Eveylyn absolutely loved the Mariners and the Seahawks. She was a true fan and would plan her days carefully so she would always be home by game time.
After many wonderful years together, Evelyn and I were married on Sept. 25, 2014 at the Jefferson County Courthouse by Judge Jill Landes. Sherry Southern was Best Woman and Dave Ackers was Best Man. Many of our LGBTQ friends were in attendance to celebrate with us.
I want to thank the many members of the community and our friends for all they did for both myself and Evelyn during her illness and transition from this life. This includes the Olympic Area Agency on Aging Caregivers Support Group, her caregivers who worked in our home, the EMT’s from our local fire station and the compassionate involvement of Jefferson Healthcare Hospice.
I am so proud of my wife Evelyn, and I truly miss her every day. I Love You, my dear soulmate.
Love to you all,
- Martha J Anthony (Marti)
