Obituary of Evelyn Blatz

Evelyn Blatz of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York City. She was 73. Daughter of the late William and Elsie Blenkle Schweikert, she was born on June 20, 1941 in Queens. She married Edward Winfried Blatz on June 20, 1964 at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in New Hyde Park. They resided in Queens Village and Hicksville, prior to moving to Dutchess County, where they raised their five children. Ed preceded her in death, passing on June 16, 2011. Evelyn graduated from St. John's University in New York City with a degree in teaching. After obtaining her Master's Degree plus, she went on to substitute teach for many school districts, landing in the Wappingers Central School District when she moved to the area. She was a beloved teacher at St. Mary's School in Wappingers Falls for several years, until her retirement. In her spare time, Evelyn was very involved in her community, school and church. She was a member of the Coterie Club, Germania of Poughkeepsie, the Steuben Society of America and the Marriage Encounter Community since 1977. She taught Lamaze for many years and was a La Leche League leader. Evelyn was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls. As her children went through St. Mary's School, she was a member of the St. Mary's Mothers' Guild; she supported them for decades, even after her children were grown. She had a strong pride in her German heritage. Evelyn enjoyed traveling with Ed and especially liked camping. She was a collector of everything. Most of all, she was generous. She gave to every charity in need and supported all causes she believed in. Survivors include her five children, Christopher at home, Arlene Pellerin and her husband, Lawrence of Pembroke, NH, Maria Silver and her husband, Omar of Gainsville, VA, Kevin and his wife, Heather of Pleasant Valley, and Peter and his fiancé, Rebecca Sottile of Poughkeepsie; seven grandchildren, Megan, Melissa and Amanda Pellerin of Pembroke, NH, Morgan, Connor and Mara Blatz of Pleasant Valley, and Tea Place of Poughkeepsie; brother, Walter Schweikert and his wife, Peggy of Newtown, CT; sister, Elizabeth Roberts and her husband, Gene of Brookfield, CT; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends on Sunday September 21, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 22 at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls; Father Joseph Blenkle will preside. Interment will follow in the family plot in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls. Memorial donations may be made in Evelyn's name to St. Mary's Angel Fund, 2 Convent Avenue, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 or Germania of Poughkeepsie, 37 Old DeGarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.