Evelyn Shia Riordan
Evelyn Shia Riordan, 89, wife of the late Joseph P. Riordan, passed away December 16, 2018. She was born in New Haven October 5, 1929, a daughter of the late Shukrey and Hesney Ghazel Shia, and was a longtime Hamden resident. Evelyn was employed as a school secretary for the Hamden Board of Education for over 35 years, retiring from Ridge Hill Elementary School in 2001. She was a lifetime member of the Center Church on the Green in New Haven, and was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in New Haven. She greatly enjoyed traveling and watching sports on TV. She is survived by her children; John J. (Kathleen) Riordan of Killingworth, Mark E. (Kathleen) Riordan of Cheshire, and Carolyn (Curtis) Thalken of Warner, NH, four loving grandchildren; Cory and Tyler Riordan, Caitlin Thalken Gray, and Chelsea Thalken, and two great-grandchildren; Riley and Caiden Gray. Evelyn was predeceased by her siblings; Anna Shia Adams, William Shia, Edward Shia, Alice Shia Bundy, Elizabeth Shia Murray, and Jeanette Shia. Funeral Service will be held Saturday morning, December 22, at 10 AM in BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may call Friday evening from 5-8 PM. Interment will be in Centerville Cemetery.
Memories
My condolence to you and your families. Your mother was a kind and compassionate person. She was a great secretary who exhibited that she was a true professional at all times. During my time as the administrator at Ridge Hill she was barely ruffled by any and all events that presented themselves at the office. Her knowledge of the community and input to various situations proved invaluable. I never saw her get frustrated and showed her worth when dealing with students, parents and staff. Her sense of humor and reactions to all events was always .ladylike.. I know she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother as well. She put her whole heart into everything she did. I was fortunate to a small part of her life. May she rest in peace.
Frank & Joanne Pinto
She was my beautiful aunt, generous and kind beyond measure. Here’s a few memories, old and new, captured in their time to show her deep love for her family and friends.
Dear Cousins Mark, Caroline, John and families-
How saddened Bob and I were to learn of Aunt Evie’s passing. Her bright smile and wonderful conversations will always remain in my heart. Her great love for people , especially children, is a precious legacy. Her memory will be eternal, and you will find happiness in the wonderful memories that will come to you often. It is with deep regret that Bob and I will not be able to join you at Aunt Evie’s memorial service, as we just moved to Davidson, North Carolina and we are still waiting for our last van to come down with our things. So, please know that we will be thinking of all of you as you celebrate Aunt Evie’s life. We pray that through your sadness and aches in your heart, you will know she is with all of us, and we can thank the Lord for her wonderful life.
With all our love and remembrances,
Yvie and Bob
With sincere sympathy for my dear cousins, John, Mark, Carolyn and your families, I was so saddened to learn of Aunt Evelyn’s sudden passing. Doug joins me in sending you our deepest condolences. Aunt Evelyn’s friendliness remains with me as I recall fond memories of my visits with her at her Benchmark residence. Our thoughts and prayers were with you on the day of her service; regretfully however, due to to unexpected and extended illness, it was not possible for us to join you. May God bless you and know that our love and prayers are with you. Love, Virgie and Doug Lovig