Joyce Evan
Clara “Joyce” Evan, of Bradford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 26, 2020 at the Bradford ecumenical home in the presence of her loving daughters.
Born February 18, 1929 in Clarendon, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth and Clara (Boyd) Nielsen. She graduated from Warren High School. Shortly after graduating she moved to Washington DC, to work for the FBI which turned out to be one of her greatest adventures.
On August 14, 1948 in Warren, she married the love of her life Robert “Bob” Evan Sr. They were married for 69 years before his passing in 2017.
Joyce and Bob moved to Bradford in 1951 where they built and operated Evan’s Rollerdrome for 56 years. They were also founders and owners of Seneca Precast Products Co., which they managed for two decades. Upon their retirement they moved to Hudson Florida where they lived for 14 years. They returned to Bradford to live in 2017.
Joyce enjoyed bowling and was a member of the lady’s bowling league in Bradford for many years. She loved riding her horse Beauty and was a member of the local 4-H club. She and her husband loved navigating the waters of Chautauqua Lake for nearly 35 years in their houseboat, The Susan Marie, which she and her husband Bob called home for the summers. Later in her life she was the ultimate football fan always cheering for Peyton Manning and also loved watching her favorite golfer, Tiger Woods play, in many PGA tournaments. She also had a flair for decorating, fashion and could cook and serve a seven course meal in the blink of an eye.
She was a beautiful, amazing mother and grandmother. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Her laugh and cute little personality were contagious and everyone who ever knew her couldn’t help but fall in love with her. We are our Mother’s Garden; we are the legacy that she left behind. We will treasure her in our hearts forever.
She is survived by two daughters: Cherie (Greg) Booth and Bonnie (Ron) Booth, two daughters in law, Suzanne Gleason and Jeannie Hoy, all of Bradford, 14 grandchildren, Greg (Kristi) Booth of Columbus OH, Bill (Christina) Booth of Stewart FL, Brett (Danielle) Booth of Jamestown NY, Amber (Jeff) Heshler of Harrisburg, Jon (Betsy) Booth of Finleyville, Rob (Channin) Evan of Bradford, Tiffany (Joe) Luther, of Littleston, Jordan Evan, Bradford, Nicci (Mark) Woolford, Bradford, Stanley (Kelly) Gleason, of Bradford, Josh Gleason, Rochester NY, Ashley (Chris) Cummins, of Erie, 40 great-grandchildren five great-great-grandchildren, one brother, Alan (Mary) Nielsen of Lawrenceville GA, one brother-in-law Roger Swart of Atlanta GA, three sisters in-laws, Diane Evan of Jamestown NY, Doris Hungiville of Saratoga Springs NY, Shirley James of Kane, one grand son-in-law, Aaron (Natalie) Griffin, of Holland NY, and 20 nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Evan, one son Robert “Robbie” Evan, one daughter Susan Evan Gleason, one son-in-law Robert “Bobby” Gleason, one grandson, Michael Evan, one granddaughter, Ashley Booth Griffin, one sister Karen “Roger” Swart, two brothers-in-laws: John Evan, Edgar James and two nephews Tommy Hungiville and Greg Swart.
There will be no public visitation.
Joyce's family invites their family and friends to view a Celebration of Life for Joyce to be streamed online at www.hollenbeckcahill.com on Tuesday at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Willow Dale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Ashley Booth Griffin Care for Children Center in Joyce’s name.
All Condolences -
Bonnie,You were my Mary Kay lady forever in Bradford. I remember how kind you were to me when my mom past many years ago. I saw you outside of the Bradford Post Office and you embraced me and said many kind words to me. I never forgot. May God give you and your family strength to get through the difficult time.Your mom lived a long wonderful life but it is ever easy to say good bye.
— Theresa McCown
Bonnie & Cheri,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I have such fond memories of being around Susie''s mom during our roller skating days. I remember your mom''s warm smile and her easy going manner. She didn''t even tell us to take off our skates when we went from the rink into your house - I always thought she was such a cool mom! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
— Kim McGill Cantoni
Cheri, Greg, Bonnie and Ron, I''m very sorry for your loss. Joyce was a wonderful lady, and I, my son and granddaughters loved her. She and Bob always made us feel special. You all are in my prayers.
— Suzanne Dittman
Bonnie ,Ronnie
Cheri,and Greg. I am so sorry for your loss of your mom. She was such a sweet woman.Sending hugs and prayers your way.
Love ya,T
— Theresa Colella
Cherie the online tribute was beautiful. Bonnie I love the vision you had of Sweet Joyce entering Heaven. I cried so much trying to see the same vision when my dad Ray and Brother Tim joined my Mom Nancy in Heaven in 2016. Thank you both for sharing. Joyce was an amazing woman. Hugs to all
— Tami O’Neil Hildebrand
Sorry for your loss. Mrs. Evan was an amazing, beautiful women. She will be missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
— Kristy Weaver
We will miss our dear sister and sister-in-law so much. We are just happy to know she is with her Lord in peace and love.
— Kenneth A Nielsen
Cherie & Bonnie,
I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Joyce....as a child, at the rink, at the lake, and most recently when I moved to FL. I will always remember her bubbly laugh! Love you, Jean
— Jean Hungiville
Bonnie, Cheri and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. It is so evident by all the condolences how special she was to everyone. I know during these past months you and Bonnie have been by her side. You were wonderful daughters to her. May the Lord wrap his arms around you during this time of grief. My prayers are with you. Love to all!
— Wanda Shannon
Cheri, Bonnie and Families: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless each of you in the days ahead and may all your cherished memories get you through!
— Mike & Sandy Williams
Once again mark and I are saddened by this news. ... mr and mrs evans were such an important part of our lives . We we were the first couple to have a wedding reception at the “roller drome”. June 22, 1991. I have such a vivid memory of Joyce helping me out with the king and queen chairs for Mark and I .. what a day what a memory ... what an impression.. true and genuine lady .. she will be loved and missed by so many. Virtual Huggs to the whole family ~. Mark and Debbie Smith
— Deborah smith
To my special memories of times past. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She will always have a special place in my heart. My God give you peace in these trying times. Hugs to you all. Sheila
— Sheila A Gugino
Bonnie and Cheri, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. She was sweet, soft spoken, hard working, beautiful, and wonderful wife and mother. You both are truly her legacies by demonstrating, to all your children, these same qualities. I will keep you and your families in my prayers.
Love, Cheryl
— Cheryl Bauschard Bouchard
Our deepest condolences on your loss. I remember Mrs. Evans very well from my days of living at the roller rink, even though I had to come from Salamanca. I even met my then-future wife there during a “kentucky steal.” Mrs. Evans and her family provided so many with so many more great memories. Praying for God’s comfort.
— Randy and Noreen Watson, Fort Worth, TX
The rizzuti family are so sorry to hear about your leader. She was a beautiful kind person. One of jays and I memory of Bradford.
— Jay and Kay rizzuti
Bonnie, Cheri and families, we are so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a sweet lady. Enjoyed having breakfast & talking with her at Chapel Ridge. She kept my dad in line. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
— Marlene and Alan Ackley
Thoughts and prayers to Bonnie, Cherie and your families. God bless.
— Anne and Steve Campogiani
Cherie, Greg, Bonnie, Ron and all your beautiful family we just wanted to extend our love to you all and tell you how we loved and appreciated your Mom. She was a beautiful, loving woman who not only loved her family unconditionally but extended that love to your friends. We always enjoyed her company and her quiet humor. God bless you in this time of loss.
— Lee snd GLoria Eliason
Cherie,Bonnie and to all of the Evan''s family I am thinking of you all in my prayers and my heat.Joyce was like a second mom to me and she will br missed dearly. May she rest in peace and be back with Bob and Robbie and Susie. My love to your whole family in this sad time..
— DAVE LOCKWOOD
Bonnie and Cheri, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
— Barb Black
So sorry for your families loss Cherie and Bonnie. I have fond memories of Joyce and Bob my family loved our times at the Rink. RIP Joyce ??
— Tami (O’Neil) Hildebrand
Our Love and deepest sympathy goes out to my sister in laws Cherie and Bonnie Booth and the entire Evan family at this very sad time. Joyce was loved by so many and will always stay in our hearts. God Bless! Sarie
— Sarie DuPont
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your amazing family. We continue to lift you up. She was an amazing lady and led an amazing life.
— Carl and Stacey Nelson and family
Bonnie, Cherie and to the rest of the Evan family, As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life''s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I can''t visit but know I am hugging you in my heart.
— Debbie Conklin Place