Obituary of Evelyn A. Durgy

Evelyn A. Durgy February 27, 1918 - February 21, 2010 Evelyn Ariel (Shook) Durgy of Danbury passed away on Sunday, February 21 at the Lutheran Home of Southbury. She was the wife of the late Lester E. Durgy. Evelyn was born on February 27, 1918 in Superior, WI, the daughter of the late Archie Eugene & Lillian Eugenie (Brochu) Shook. She was a member of the class of 1934 from Superior Central High School and later graduated from Superior State Teachers College (B.A.) and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Evelyn began her career as an art teacher/supervisor with the Oconomowoc, WI public schools. She expanded her professional work in commercial art & promotion, graphic design, retail display, and interior decorating as she moved to Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. In Washington she worked with the National Weather Bureau as well as the Royal Egyptian Embassy. She was active in USO functions in the area before her marriage to Lester, a US Marine Lieutenant, on Dec. 24, 1952. After her husband's service in the Korean War, they settled into life in Lester's home town of Danbury. Here Evelyn worked as an art teacher with the Wilton Public Schools, and in marketing related positions with C.E. Hoopers of Wilton and later Young & Rubicam of New York City. She also did interior decorating work for Ethan Allen in Danbury. While working in various fields, Evelyn was quickly becoming a dynamo in the community that she grew to love. She was a dedicated volunteer with many local organizations including the Danbury (Scott-Fanton) Museum & Historical Society where she served as a long time trustee as well as president, the American Association of University Women in which she was active since 1964 and served as president from 1967-1969, and the Connecticut Chapter of The American Red Cross. In addition, Evelyn was a commissioner with the Danbury Cultural Commission, a role she enjoyed for approximately 20 years beginning in 1973, and she served the Richter Association for the Arts as an officer for many years. She also helped to initiate a local chapter of the Association for Research and Enlightenment and was active in numerous other local groups including bridge clubs, book clubs, curling and hiking groups. In 1977 she was the editor and project director of the very popular book "As We Were: A Pictorial Remembrance of Old Danbury" and she also composed the "Cultural Handbook for Danbury and Vicinity" in 1985. Evelyn was a knowledgeable and avid collector of antiques, postcards, old fans and vintage clothing which she was known to wear to many social events. Together with her husband, she conducted a part time business selling a variety of antiques and other collectibles under the name, Trifles & Treasures. Evelyn loved old movies, reading, any social gathering and especially entertaining her many friends at her Victorian home and antique showplace on Farview Avenue. She coordinated countless events and meetings, often creating artistic announcements, advertisements, and whimsical centerpieces. Evelyn was a sparkplug in every organization she served and was dearly loved by her family and many friends. She is survived by her son Craig D. Durgy and his wife Rona C. Lynch of Watertown; her grandson, Edwin H. Durgy and her granddaughter, Sarah C.C. Durgy both of Watertown; her sisters-in-law Margaret Posey Nelson of El Dorado Hills, CA, Doris Jean Bolden of Champaign, IL, Barbara Paquin of Broad Brook, and Nancy Brooks and her husband Ted of West Hurley, NY; and her dearest friend Mr. Abe Feldbin of Danbury. In addition, she leaves several nieces, nephews and cousins. Evelyn was predeceased by her brother Quentin R. Nelson. Funeral Information A memorial celebration and service will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury on Saturday, March 13th from 2 to 4 PM with a reception to follow. Donations Information Memorial contributions may be made to either: the Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 43 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810-8011; or The American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter, P.O. Box 5003, Hartford, CT 06102-5003.