Evelyn Leeman Martinez

evelyn martinez
Evelyn Leeman Martinez, 66 and 7 months to the day, of New Haven, CT and Rockport, MA died at home on July 29, 2009 after surviving a 6 year diagnosis of peritoneal cancer. Evelyn is survived by her husband of thirty years, Bob Martinez, who will always love her even more than the small rain loves the gentle earth. She also leaves her devoted children, Kathryn Martinez (David), Susan Martinez Sendroff (Adam), and Michael Martinez; two granddaughters, Lily Sendroff and Zoe Sendroff, who will love her over the rainbow and back forever; brother George Leeman (Ginny); niece Leslie Leeman Uhl (Trevor); nephew Jeffrey Leeman; grand-nephew Carter Uhl; and beloved cats, Fletcher Longshanks, Moondance Magic Proudtail, Ebeneezer Shadowfriskums, and Gideon Skimblefrost. She is predeceased by her parents; her Uncle Jud; and cats Little Cat Fearsfriskums; Mr. Jocko Skimblespats, Sir; Little Mama Maggie Snugglenoze; Darwin Pfefferneuse; and Phoebe Magic Snowdust. Born in Manhattan in 1942 to the late George Leeman and Evelyn Boeger Leeman, Evelyn was raised in Ridgefield, CT, later relocating to New Haven in the early 1960's and becoming a part time resident of Rockport in 1997. Attending SCSU as an Art major, she later switched to Social Work and received her Master's from NYU. During her professional career, she worked in mental health services, first at Cornerstone in New Haven and later for Griffin Hospital in Derby. In addition to many volunteer ventures, Evelyn proudly co-founded Cute People's Day in 1990, always the first Sunday in August. Evelyn recently shared with her loved ones that life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over, but about learning to dance in the rain. Her vibrant, generous and compassionate spirit deeply touched most everyone she encountered. She will be remembered as a strong, brave, creative and generous woman with a bright smile and infectious laugh. Evelyn enjoyed celebrating all of life's moments with her family and friends, planting magnificent gardens, photography, and walking the beach listening to the waves while looking for sea glass treasures. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to one of her favorite causes: The Animal Haven, 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473; Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 260 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930; the Father J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, Hospital of Saint Raphael, Attention: Foundation, 1450 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511, or Connecticut Hospice Inc., 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Friends and family may call on Saturday, August 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at BEECHER & BENNETT Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden and all are welcome to attend a joyful celebration of her life on Monday, August 3rd at 5:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James, 57 Olive Street, New Haven.

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  1. I only met Evelyn a couple times at social functions, but everything Bob has shared, and his admiration for her, convinces me that she was a special person beyond measure. I wish I had the opportunity to know her…my loss, for certain. I do share my love of cats with her, and will think of her each time I stroke the head of my felines. Love, Allan

  2. I will miss Evelyn very much! She was one of the .cutest. and most loving people I have ever known. My world was a better place with her in it! Lots and lots of love to Evelyn’s family. I love you guys!

  3. My deepest sympathies to all the family. Evelyn was fine woman who will be sorely missed. Her smile always made feel warm and cared about. May she be at peace in the Lord’s care.

  4. Our hearts are with all of you. Evelyn always brought joy to our family. We will miss her tremendously.

  5. Rosalyn and I send our deepest sympathies to Bob and his entire family. Evelyn will always be remembered as a caring wife, mother and grandmother. Bob’s e-mails attest to his undying love.

  6. We hold a close place in our hearts for your family, take joy in your good memories, and share sorrow for this irreplaceable loss.

  7. We met Evelyn as members of one of the earliest email groups as beta testers on Prodigy in about 1984. We have felt close to Ev and Bob over the years, even though it was over the WWW. Ev’s rain will be warm and gentle, we pray.

  8. We’ll miss you, Ev, but we’re sure you’ll find some other good liberal angels to spend time with!

  9. While I never met you, Evelyn, I came to feel I knew you from Bob’s loving emails. .May the road rise up to meet you…. as you pass beyond the stars. Mike

  10. Although I never met Evelyn and knew off her only through her husband, the love and dedication she inspired could only have come from great inner beauty. She will always be among us, so long as we remember her. Un abrazo,

  11. Because my words are inadequate, I offer up some from my grandfather Winston O. Abbott: .For years I never knew- whether the twilight was the ending of the day or the beginning of the night- and then- suddenly one day I understood- that this did not matter at all- for time is but a circle- and so there can be no beginning and no ending- and this is how I came to know that birth and death are one- and it is neither the coming or the going that is of consequence- what is of consequence is the beauty that one gathers in this interlude called life-. Love to you all- I know you’ll take care of each other… xoxoxo

  12. Dear Bob and Family- I had the privledge of being a student social work intern at the Lower Naugatuck Valley Community Mental Health Center Transitional Living Seervice program in the very early 1980’s with Evelyn being my supervisor. That was 29 years ago and I have not forgotten her warmth, wisdom and the amazing lady she was. I learned so much from her. Her patience, insight, and generous spirit made her an amazing teacher and one that I have not forgotten. May you find comfort in her memories.

  13. Dear Bob and family, We have all lost one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. My heart grieves for and with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

  14. Dear Bob and family: Please, accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Evelyn. May she became the Light, the Rainbow, dancing with the cats in the small rain. Marta

  15. Dear Bob, Mike, Susan, and Family, I send my deepest sympathies to your entire family. I hope that you will find peace in each others strong love. Sincerely, Joan bombace

  16. Dear Susan, Michael, katherine and Family, Words cannot express the sympathy that comes from our hearts with all of the numerous losses you have all incurred. We want you all to know, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this heartwrenching time. Chins up, remember you have MANY people smiling down from above on you. Thinking of you With love, Uncle Dan and Linda

  17. Dearest Bob, Susan,Kat,Mike,Lily,Zoe,Adam and the entire Leeman Martinez Family, There are No words when someone as amazing as Evelyn has left us all behind….She was a great soul with such a zest for life, laughs and fabulous accessories!!!!(haha) I can only aspire to be such a completely great woman(and Mimi)as she was. May you all find peace. Much Love

  18. Evelyn made me feel cozy and secure. She made me feel comfortable and loved. I will miss her very much….God bless you sweet Evelyn.

  19. Evelyn was (and still is) one of the angels of this world. Her infectious smile and warm spirit will be missed by all she touched. Our best wishes are with all of the Martinez/Sendroff family. Trina, Joe, Elliot and Tianna

  20. Evelyn was an incredibly caring, uplifting spirit, a superb clinician and a good friend. She will be with all of us forever.

  21. Evelyn was one of the most outgoing and enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. She was warm and caring. I loved her from the first bear hug! She will be missed. Now, when it rains, I will do a little dance and smile. I will take her life philosophy with me forever. Bob and kids, I have few words that will console you. Just know that I love you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary Anne (aka:Doggy)

  22. Evelyn will be greatly missed by so many. So sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady and an example to us all on how to live and enjoy life.

  23. I knew .Ev. on-line only, where her personality burst through the screen. Mere electrons couldn’t contain her! She got me through the loss of my beloved pussycat (and who better to console you on THAT? She was the best .Puss-Mom. ever), sent me dozens of kind, funny, snarky, perceptive, irreverent mini-opera-style notes in that buoyant style that was hers alone. The world is a dimmer, chillier place without her, but I’ll remember her until it’s my turn, too, to see the .paws at the gate..

  24. I knew Evelyn only online…which makes the loss somehow (selfishly) greater. We said we’d meet and hug and drink tea this summer on Cape Ann. She guided and chided me through some serious and silly stuff over the past months. Selflessly helping others…as usual, it is now so obvious. I am a better man for having known Evelyn, and the lesser man for having known her only so slightly.

  25. I’m not great with words, especially at moments like these, but somehow that seems ok, since Evelyn wasn’t really about words either. Ev didn’t talk about her life that much–she just lived it! And she left me a much better person for the part of it that I was allowed by fate to share with her. Evelyn was a true treasure. There are very few in the world like her and I will always remember her joyful greeting and feel her spirit here in the gardens, through the thunderstorms, and looking past the pine trees to the stars, while the crickets are chirping in the background, with a good cat on my lap. Speaking of cats, Smudge and Inky also would like to send their love and thanks to Evelyn for her efforts to help them to write .The Smudge & Inky Diaries. while I was away. And the next time I dance in the rain, Ev, I’ll be thinking of you, hon. To Bob and the rest of your family–all my love and sympathies at this difficult time. Shine on.

  26. I’m so sorry for this tremendous loss to your family. Evelyn always rocked fantasy football, putting all the boys to shame. Peace and God bless.

  27. IT IS WITH HEARTFELT SYMPATHY THAT I AM WRITING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WORKED WITH EVELYN AT GRIFFIN HOSP. FOR A WHILE BEFORE SHE LEFT AND SHE LEFT SUCH A GREAT AND LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME…I KNOW SHE WILL BE MISSED..GOD BLESS YOU ALL…BRENDA GIBBS

  28. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bob. I did not have the honor of knowing Evelyn but I know I would have liked her.

  29. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. May Evelyn’s soul live on through you and touch even more people. With love, the Talwalkar family -Jaideep, Kristen, and the boys

  30. Our prayers and thoughts are with you always. Evelyn will truly be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness and her indominable spirit. She is at peace now, but we know she will be watching over us and taking care of us forever.

  31. Perhaps they are not the stars but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. We are all united not only in our desire to pay our respects to you but in our need to do so. Today is our chance to say thank you for the way you brightened our lives. We shall remember, above all, your courage, enormous enthusiasm and zest for life. You were a special, warm and passionate woman with an irresistible way of captivating peoples hearts. You gave your friendship generously and without hesitation to everyone. Look around you and see the real testament to Evelynit is in your faces and in your hearts.

  32. So sad about the loss of our dear Evelyn. She was my good friend and will always be close in my heart. Out sincere sympathy to Bob and chilren.

  33. Susan, Kat, Michael and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your Step Mom. Know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers and we think of you often. Love you lots! XOXOXOXOXOXO Kyla and Brian

  34. Susan, My condolences and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Evelyn, from what is written, I know she was a wonderfully special member of your family. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts. xoxo

  35. To know you is to love you. The past will always merge with the the present moment and be as one. Bob, your Evelyn will never be further away than a smile. But, you know that…

  36. Dear Bob and all, So sad to hear, and want to send my regards. My prayers will be with you at the celebration of Evelyn’s life on Monday. Love, Andrena

  37. Dear Bob and Family, You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Evelyn. I know she will be dearly missed by your family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bob and your family.

  38. Evelyn was a dear friend and member of our Life Enhancement group. She and I shared a love of the beach, living in the moment, purple toes and looking for blue skies whatever the weather. Many blessings to her family whom she always spoke about with devotion. Deep bow to you Evelyn and your magical smile!

  39. Evelyn was an inspiration for all, A warm, caring,compassionate,very funny,very smart lady; a wonderful clinician, and a good friend. She will live on in my memory. I will miss her…. Marianne Scanlon Newtown, CT

  40. Kat, Susan, Michael, I greive with you the loss of another mother. She must have been a very special person. Bob, How fortunate you were to have found such a special person.

  41. Dear Bob and family, I am so very sorry that Evelyn has passed away. I wish I could put into words all the things that I feel in my heart. She was a great friend a superb and I might add very entertaining colleague. She was an inspiration. The selfless devotion and care that you gave to her was awesome. This should serve as some consolation to you. Love, Susan and Peter

  42. I have so many fond and funny memories of a funny and bright and sassy Evelyn, who made us all laugh so often in such a serious world. Her dear husband, children, family, have our sympathies, as she so often reminded us you were her touchstone. Our deepest condolensces, Carl and Harvey

  43. Bob,My condolences to you and to your family. Evelyn was so sweet and kind. She was just the best. I will never forget Evelyn our Her Friendship.

  44. Bob, The obituary was one of the most uplifting I have ever read and I envy you your life and memories with such a special person. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  45. Dear Bob, I believe people come into our lives for a reason. Evelyn taught me through her example, of ‘choosing to dance in the rain’, rather than just weather the storm. I feel she will always be with us through the wonderful energy she imparted to all who knew her. With love, prayers, and Reiki Alicia McKelvey

  46. I knew Evelyn online though we did talk on the phone, exchanged snail mail Christmas cards and always kept in touch over the years. She was the first person I ever sent email to, so long ago! It was during the time when her Jocko and my Avatar both had chronic renal failure. She was always there when I needed support and advice for one of my cats. Evelyn was like a ray of sunshine, I could hear her laughter and see her smile in her emails. She was beautiful and courageous and an inspiration to all who knew her. She touched the lives of so many people. The world is little dimmer now, but there is a beautiful new star shining in heaven. My profound sympathy to her family and all of her many, many friends. Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in times of sorrow. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

  47. With all my heart, I hope that Evelyn and my sister, Carol, meet in heaven, dance, and paint awesome rainbows for the rest of us here on Earth. Evelyn’s energy will always be felt by those she loved.

  48. Bob and family — Ev was and is one of the best souls that God ever made. Her wit, her charm and her love of life will be remembered forever. Ev could make me laugh no matter what — whether I wanted to or not. And the trouble we could cause and get into on the old message boards is the stuff legends are made of! Always remember that her love for her family and her cats shone through with every word she typed, every word she spoke and every breath she took. She will be missed.

  49. A sad goodbye to a longtime friend and fellow animal lover. Evelyn was a very special soul – people who love animals are inevitably very special and wonderful people. May she reunite with her lost furry loved ones at the Rainbow Bridge and forever be in joy and peace with them.

  50. Sitting in Camden, just past Rockport I thought of Evelyn. I knew she loved Rockport. I had lost touch a shirt time after she left Griffin but always loved her palpable spirit and love for life. It was strong. She made me laugh and reminded me not to take myself too seriously. Her spirit is with us everyday, and when you think if her, she is around

  51. I remember when Mimi made me a fruit plate and it looked like flowers. I also remember having a sleepover and having breakfast in bed with her. I also remember when we were in Rockport and we collected sea glass. I love Mimi, but now she is in Heaven and I can’t see her. Thank you for reading this.

  52. I still love you more than either of us could even imagine. On our stone is engraved: I love you even more that small rain loves the gentle earth, We will dance forever in the small and sorrowful rain, And we know that nothing lives forever by love and death, Not even the sky. Wait for me, my love.

  53. Dearest Bob, Susan,Kat,Mike,Lily,Zoe,Adam and the entire Leeman Martinez Family, There are No words when someone as amazing as Evelyn has left us all behind….She was a great soul with such a zest for life, laughs and fabulous accessories!!!!(haha) I can only aspire to be such a completely great woman(and Mimi)as she was. May you all find peace. Much Love


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