Evelyn Mina Shaw Moulton
Evelyn Shaw Moulton passed on April 28th in her 90th year, with the quiet grace that she was known for in life. Born in Tsingtao, China to Albert Leland Shaw and Maude Brooks Shaw, they were both born and raised in Maine. Her father was stationed there with The Standard Oil Company of New York. Evelyn would occasionally speak of her growing up in China. One of her stories included her Mother telling her and her brother, 'Simmer down, children and go to sleep. They are only machine guns' as the Second Sino-Japanese war waged on. At one point they were evacuated by British gun boats as a safety measure. She attended the Shanghai American School during her sophomore year, though her parents were in Japanese occupied Nanking to the north. Due to the escalation of the war she returned to Maine and graduated from Coney High School in Augusta in 1942. She received her BA in history and government including a teaching certificate from the University of Maine in 1946. This is where she met and later married her husband, Arthur H. Moulton, III of Portland, ME. Evelyn and Arthur lived in NY briefly before settling in Orange, CT in 1955 with their son, David. As Arthur became President and major stockholder of The George Ellis Co., Evelyn volunteered for many organizations in the New Haven area. A true treasure, Evelyn was generous with her time and her spirit. She did not hesitate to invite a bride to dress in her air conditioned home as the July temperature rose to over 100 degrees or to help a nervous newcomer to acclimate to Whitney Center. Always warm and welcoming, Evie was the perfect hostess. She enjoyed sharing her home with others, especially looking forward to summer visits with her young nieces Connie and Cyndi. Her philanthropic works included the establishment of the Arthur H. Moulton Distinguished Scholar Award in Engineering at the University of New Haven and the 'Moulton Mission Fund' at the Orange Congregational Church. Her dedication to the CT Trails Council of Girl Scouts was evident as she chaired their annual cookie sale for the state of CT and Fishers Island, NY for multiple years. Travel was one of Evelyn's great joys. She joined her son on trips to Turkey, Scotland, Southern Utah, Norway and a return to China for her 60th birthday. The Summer Solstice was experienced at Stonehenge in 1999 and above the Arctic Circle in 1994. Evelyn met Sally Lockett Taylor in 1942 as freshmen at the University of Maine and subsequently met her sister Ann Lockett Walko. Evelyn's final years were spent at Whitney Center in Hamden, where her dear friend of over 60 years, Ann, also resided. The three women formed lifelong friendships including summer vacations with their children spent on NH lakes, trips to Turkey and most recently at Rockywold/Deephaven Family Camps on Squam Lake. There were many gatherings as well at the Moulton Beach house in Westbrook, sharing many celebrations and holidays. Lynn Bissell and Evelyn met at the Orange Congregational Church. When Lynn became too ill to attend bible study, Evelyn met with her at her home. A year after Lynn's passing, Bob Bissell reached out to Evelyn and they became fast friends. They had each lost their spouses and for the next 22 years they enriched each other's lives. Activities included travel to Turkey, Wind Jammer cruising, vacations at Evelyn's condominium in Damariscotta, Maine and Bissell family reunions. Bob attended Shaw family reunions at the Moulton Homestead in Jefferson, NH. Bob attended so many SAS reunions that he was asked about his years in Shanghai. Evelyn experienced being a surrogate mother and grandmother to members of the 'Bissell clan' and it brought her great pleasure. In addition to her husband Arthur, Evelyn was predeceased by her brother Albert Joseph Shaw. She is survived by her son, David Walker Moulton of New Haven, CT, nieces Constance E. Shaw Carden of Kodak, TN Cynthia Shaw Gouwens of Bradenton, FL and her nephew Gary Suess of Trophy Club, TX. A memorial reception will be held at Whitney Center on June 16 at 4:00 PM. A memorial service and celebration of life will be on June 21, 2014 at the Orange Congregational Church at 11:00 AM. Those who desire may make a donation in her memory to Loaves and Fishes, 57 Olive St. New Haven, CT 06511, CT Food Bank, PO Box 8686 New Haven, CT 06531, or a cause of your choosing.
David, My condolences on the loss of your mother. Marjorie Palmer, Mary Elizabeth’s lifelong friend
Evie was one of the most wonderful, caring people I ever met. She was so kind and yet so resilient. I feel lucky to have known her and had her as a role model in childhood.
I’ll think of you often, especially when the Fireflies are active here in Maine!! You were such a wonderful friend for well over 40 years, and will always be thought of with the deepest affection. Loved by everyone you met, what a wonderful legacy……….
Rest in peace Evie… you were such a sweet lady and always told me stories of Maine when my son was living there…. will miss seeing your sweet smile… Rest in peace…. Teri Vignola
RIP my friend ,gone but never will be forgotten ,love and miss you .Evelyn you will always have a very special place in my heart,love your wee Irish friend Diane xoxo.
Thank you Evelyn for always being there for me. I will love and miss you forever. love, Sue
To one of the most caring, loving, inspirational, and beautiful woman I’ve ever met. May your soul be at peace. All my love and blessings, Robin
We adore you and will miss you forever- you brought so much joy to our hearts in such a brief time- Love, Leslie, Charlie, Sawyer and Austin Hurst
We met Evelyn when we helped David set up her 60th birthday party at the beach house. And what a time it was. Inflating and stringing balloons, laughter, hot brie topped with kiwi and a most wonderful multigenerational group of people. Over the years we shared many events with Evie, many conversations, much joy and laughter. We may not remember all the topics discussed or all the experiences. What we always remembered was the way she always made us feel. Our ‘get togethers’ were special to us. We knew the atmosphere would be positive and filled with an energy of humor, understanding and love. She opened her home and heart to our families and us. When we had loss she was there to listen and help us through our period of need. She was so comfortable and affable to be around; it felt as if there was never a time in our lives when she was not there. Mrs Moulton, Evelyn, Evie was a treasure, like a shimmering gem, she spread a glow to whomever she meet. She loved her son David and all that was important to him. She shared her joy in him with us as well as her concerns for his happiness. We told her and strongly believe .friends are the family you choose for yourself.. David is our family and Evelyn knew it was a bond that would last a lifetime no matter the miles. Well done Evelyn, well done. The world is a better place because you, Evie, were in it. Thank you for sharing your time with us.