Evelyn A. (Zaia) Lynes

Evelyn A. Lynes (Zaia), a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Milton, MA on September 28, 2023. Born in Boston, MA, Evelyn grew up in the Dorchester area of Boston and moved to Milton with her family in 1955.  She lived in Milton for 68 years. Evelyn was a cherished member of her family and community, known for her gentle nature and intelligent mind.

Evelyn was a proud and loving mother to her children Edward Lynes and his wife Cynthia of Needham, Deborah Elisio and her late husband Antonio of Quincy, Steven Lynes and his wife Mary Jane of Hudson, New Hampshire, and Thomas Lynes of Milton. She also cherished her longtime companion, the late Robert Chase of East Boston.

Daughter of Antonio Zaia and Angelina (Marino), Evelyn was the beloved sibling of the late Dorothy Demers and her husband Arthur of Virginia, Jean Bono and her husband Giralamo of Milton, Alma Chick and her living husband Walter Chick of Milton, Eleanor Palisi and her husband Anthony of Quincy, Richard Zaia of Dorchester, and Nancy Tatro and her husband Del of Pittsfield.

Evelyn's love extended to her grandchildren Edward T. Lynes and his wife Kira of Philadelphia, Kimberly Lynes and her fiancé Warren Ballam of Boston, Christopher Lynes and his fiancé Jackie Agranat of Boston, Christina Elisio and her fiancé Kevin Walorz of Medfield, Jessica Elisio of Plymouth, Catherine Hadge and her husband Matthew of Dover, Ma. She was also a doting great-grandmother to Penelope Lynes, Allison Elisio, Natalee Elisio-Vargas, and Julian Hadge. Her memory lives on in the many loving nieces, nephews, and friends who survive her.

Evelyn was a proud graduate of Archbishop Cushing High School in South Boston in 1951 and later Boston College School Of Nursing in 1956. In her professional life, Evelyn was a registered nurse and started her career at Boston City Hospital as a Staff Nurse for 1 year.  From 1957 to 1963, Evelyn was a stay-at-home mom spending her time raising 4 children.  Evelyn then went back to work at Boston City Hospital as a Staff Nurse for the following 6 years.  In the summer of 1969, Evelyn was the camp nurse for the East Boston Social Service Center Camp in Westford Ma.  She spent 8 weeks at the camp with her 4 children.  From August 1969 to August in 1970 she was an Instructor at the Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital School Of Nursing.  From August in 1970 until August in 1972 she was an Instructor at the Catherine Laboure' School of Nursing.  Evelyn furthered her education by obtaining a Master Of Science degree on September 11, 1975, from Boston University, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning.  She then went back to work in the operating room at Mass General Hospital for 25 years.  Her gentle and caring nature was a comfort to countless patients through out her career.  Evelyn's commitment to helping others extended beyond her professional life.  She was very charitable, supporting causes such as St Jude's Hospital, Alzheimer's Foundation, and The Red Cross. 

Evelyn's interests were as diverse as they were heartfelt. She found joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment she spent with them. An active member of her community, she regularly attended the YMCA in Quincy, participating in aerobics classes. True to her nurturing nature, Evelyn loved cooking, often sharing her delicious creations with family and friends.

Evelyn's life was defined by love, kindness, and intelligence. She was a beacon of warmth and wisdom in her family and community. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

All Services will be private, Please make donations in Evelyn’s name to the Alzheimer's Foundation – ALZ.ORG

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