Evelyn Gertrude Richelson

Evelyn G. Richelson, 89, formerly of Randolph St. peacefully passed away on October 10, 2013 at 2:00 am at Peabody Home in Franklin, NH.

Evelyn was born in Boston, MA on September 24, 1924, one of five children of Morris Haverback and Tillie (Fiman) Haverback of Haverhill, MA. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother Jack. She grew up in Haverhill, graduated from Haverhill High School in 1942, and went on to attend Hebrew College in Boston. Upon graduation, she became a teacher at Temple Emanu-El in Haverhill.

In 1952, Evelyn married Irwin Richelson of Plymouth, NH, and moved to Plymouth where her husband was a partner in his family's long-established business, Richelson's Department Store. She became involved with the business helping out as clothing buyer, sales person and bookkeeper, and was often seen jogging in her dress shoes on her way to work, greeting neighbors on her way. She continued working until the store closed in 1992. She and Irwin were married for 51 years, until his passing in 2003.

In addition to being devoted to raising three sons and actively participating in Richelson's store, Evelyn also contributed much to the community life of Plymouth. She served as vice-president of the Junior Woman's Club and Treasurer of the Pemigewasset Woman's Club. She also served as an advisor to the Order of Rainbow for Girls under her membership in the Bethlehem chapter, Order of Eastern Star. She was an avid supporter of the Plymouth Lions Club, attending meetings with Irwin and helping out at many of their functions. Evelyn worked as chairperson of fund-raising drives for a number of organizations, including the Heart Fund, Cancer Fund and the Cancer Commission for Grafton County Unit East. In addition, she assisted in the Sceva Speare Memorial Hospital membership drive.

She was also quite active as a leader in Plymouth Cub Scout Pack 56, serving as a den mother for a number of years. In August, 1966, Evelyn was featured in the New Hampshire Sunday News as Cook of the Week, sharing several of her successful Club and family recipes.

Evelyn had a passion for the arts, especially painting, drawing and music. During the 1940's, she played violin and piano in duet with her sister Harriet, as they performed at venues around the Greater Haverhill, MA area. In the 1960's, she wrote a Boy Scout song which was chosen to be published in the International Boy Scout Song Book. From the 1970's to the early 1990's, she sang in the New Hampshire Music Festival Symphonic Chorus, which performed along with its Symphonic Orchestra throughout New Hampshire. Evelyn always looked forward to the annual trip that she and Irwin made to his WWII Coast Guard reunion. She shared in his pride and remembrances of his service, and happily anticipated continuing the life-long friendships made at the reunions.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Gary and his wife Linda of Derry, NH, Paul and his Fiancé Julie of New Hampton, NH, and Bradley and his wife Susan of Framingham, MA. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Caitlin Jacobs of Lowell, MA, Michael Richelson of Derry, NH, Tyler Richelson of Derry, NH, Sarah Richelson of Quincy, MA, and Margo Richelson of Framingham, MA. In addition, she is survived by her sister Harriet Sandler of Bowie, MD, her brother Dr. Chester Haverback of Bethesda, MD and her sister Rose Haverback of Boston, MA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in memory of Mrs. Richelson be made to Peabody Home Employees Fund, c/o Peabody Home, 24 Peabody Place, Franklin, NH 03235.