Betty "Gram" Evans
November 30, 2020

BETTY “GRAM” EVANS:  96, passed from this world peacefully at home on November 30 with her twin daughters by her side. She leaves behind daughters Gail Evans-Potter (Ken Potter) and Kathy Evans-Palmisano, grandchildren Jared Evans (Alexa Miller), Bianca Palmisano (Beth Kitchin), Dana Palmisano (Trinh Nguyen) and Jordan Potter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eugene Evans, son in-law Jerry Palmisano, granddaughters Bethany and Leah Potter, and her entire generation of family. Family and friends knew Betty as a force to be reckoned with, and she connected with people from all walks of life through her twin loves of Jewish heritage and music. Energetic and opinionated, her super power was her ability to talk to anyone and know their life story within minutes. Her colorful life included playing in the Jimmy Spitalny band on KDKA radio, dancing with soldiers during WWII, winning a jitterbug contest, serving in the Chemical Warfare Division of the US War Department, and moving to NYC on her own at age 22 to work at Warner Brothers. She played upright bass and piano – never missing a chance to delight an audience – and won her husband Gene through their mutual love of music. A staunch advocate for animals, Betty gave generously of her time, energy, and finances to supporting animal organizations. In lieu of flowers, she asked those wishing to honor her memory to donate to “Animal Full Life Rescue, Inc.,” 906 Ramsey Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. A fitting tribute for a woman who once made the workers of the Squirrel Hill tunnels stop traffic while she rescued a dog running loose! A private graveside funeral was held on a cold but beautiful, sunny day with only immediate family because of the pandemic. When we are once again able to gather there will be a memorial celebration in Betty’s honor where we can raise a toast and share our memories. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

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Dear Aunt Betty, I was very young when I knew your warmth but it touches me still to this day. Your one of a kind soul transcends this earthly realm and will remain a force for all who were graced by your love. A kind face like yours is a special thing to a child and that welcoming heart has stayed with me all these years. I\'m sorry our family was not able to say goodbye to you in person but we sent our love in the wind! Please know you are forever in our family and we love you. Love, Jodi P.S. I wish you could have met my son, you would love him!

By Jodi Dolan - December 10, 2020

Betty was such a kind, extremely wise person. She will be greatly missed.

By John and Kathy Fox - December 10, 2020

Gail and Family- I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew her. With Deepest Sympathies, George

By George Sliman - December 09, 2020

We love aunt Betty ❤ and will miss her dearly

By Eric Feldman - December 09, 2020