Evelyn L. (Severino) (Gauthier) Straus

E. TEMPLETON - Evelyn L. (Severino) (Gauthier) Straus 86, passed away on Wednesday, April 12th at her residence following declining health. She was born on June 5, 1930, in Gardner, daughter of the late James and Jessie (Silva) Severino and grew up in Gardner. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1948 where she was on the basketball team. After graduation, Evelyn worked as a chair decorator at her parent's factory, Colonial Craft Inc, first in South Ashburnham and then in East Templeton. She also did the bookkeeping for Gauthier Plumbing. She was active in Sacred Heart Church for many years as part of the Catechism program and Mother's Guild at Sacred Heart School. She was a Girl Scout Leader and Boy Scout Den Mother. She was active in a candle pin bowling league and volunteer at Heywood Hospital. After relocating to her parent's home in East Templeton she became a member of Holy Cross Church. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, bird watching, and was an avid reader. Her greatest enjoyment came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years, she loved going on outings with the Templeton Senior Center. Evelyn is survived by a daughter, Linda Proctor of Gardner and a son Brian Gauthier of Petersham. Granddaughter, Laurie O'Rourke and her husband Michael of East Templeton, who were her loving caregivers for the last 5 years. Her grandson Alek Dernalowicz, of Gardner. Three great-grandchildren Noah, Quinn and Rowan O'Rourke of East Templeton. Three step-children, Michael Straus, Karen Wilson and Daniel Straus. Six step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Straus of 27 years. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Edward and Arnold Severino, son-in-law Ronald Proctor, daughter-in-law Eileen Gauthier, and granddaughter Kathryn Dernalowicz. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Lamoureaux-Fletcher Community Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Avenue in East Templeton. Burial at Green Bower Cemetery in South Gardner, immediately following the Mass. Memorial donations can be made to Gardner Visiting Nurses Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner or Templeton Council on Aging, 16 Senior Drive, Baldwinville. To leave an online condolence or to view the guest book, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Lamoureux-Fletcher & Smith Funeral Home, a Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.