VASSALBORO – Evelyn passed away after a long, wonderful life, on July 14, 2022, in her family home of 58 years, in Vassalboro. She was born on May 17, 1932 to Elizabeth (Scott) and Thomas Graham, in East York, Toronto, Canada. Evelyn had three older sisters: Margaret, Lillian and Patricia; an older brother, Tommy and a younger sister, Ruth.

She attended schools in East York, Toronto, Canada and graduated from Jarvis Collegiate High School and Emmaus Bible School, with honors. While at Emmaus, she met James Ashton, from New Jersey, and they married on June 25, 1955. They set up house in an apartment in Beverly, Mass., and then moved to South Hamilton, Mass. while Jim finished college in 1958. Evelyn worked for CBS Hytron until their first child, Elizabeth, was born. They came to Livermore in 1958 and during their years there, Evelyn did some substitute teaching. After a move to Vassalboro, and following the birth of their sixth child in 1964, she continued substitute teaching.

Evelyn had a full-time job in the Waterville school system, first as a reading tutor, then as a secretary to the special education director at the high school. Evelyn also worked part-time at the dental office of John Koons. Evelyn finished out her career in the school system as a library aide at George Mitchell School. She then volunteered at the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry. Throughout these years, Evelyn met so many good people, some of whom became lifelong friends.

Her best, and most fulfilling work, was raising her children and helping them in so many ways, as they grew up to adulthood. Evelyn and Jim took their children camping for many years. Evelyn did much of the preparation for these trips, whether long or short: The Maritime Provinces, Ontario, Quebec, and The Great Smokey Mountains, and of course, many Maine trips.

After the children were out of the nest, Ev and Jim made trips to Colorado, Arizona, and California; to the cities of San Francisco, Seattle and New Orleans. They went to the United Kingdom twice. Ev managed a third trip there with her sister Ruth. Evelyn and Jim, with Ruth and Curt, made trips to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, the Gaspe’ of Quebec and Northern Ontario.

Evelyn also enjoyed knitting, rug braiding, wreath making and tending to her many beautiful flower gardens. She was also an avid reader. She was a very practical person, which helped immensely during the early years of raising a family.

Evelyn enjoyed visits to the coast, especially trips to many of the beautiful and historic sites of Maine.

Evelyn was an exceptional and loving grandmother to her many grandchildren, attending concerts, youth sports and trips to the beach, giving them unconditional love, every step of the way. Evelyn maintained a special, life long bond, with her younger sister, Ruth.

Evelyn was predeceased by her daughter, Elizabeth Ashton.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, James, recently celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary; her son, Jonathan and his son Zach; her daughter, Karen Ashton and husband Michael Sullivan, and her children William, Meghan, Nicholas and Lyndsey; her daughter, Katherine and husband Douglas Houghton, and their daughter, Karly; her daughter, Judith and husband Louis Harle and their children Christopher, Jennifer and Colin; and her daughter, Paula Ashton and husband John Lewandowski and their children Ruth and Walter; as well as great-grandchildren, Will and Oscar.

Special thanks to MaineGeneral Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will held on August 20 at 2 p.m. at the family home in North Vassalboro.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to:

Vassalboro Food Station Pantry,

26 Ferland Lane,

Vassalboro, ME 04989

Or to:

Vassalboro Public Library,

P.O. Box 62,

East Vassalboro, ME 04935