A Life Beautifully Lived: Evelyn Scheff
Sunrise: July 20, 1930 – Sunset: July 11, 2025
On Friday, July 11, 2025, the world lost a bit of its sparkle (and sequins) when Evelyn Scheff took her final bow. Not one for ordinary exits, she left this world the same way she lived in it – on her own terms, with grace, grit, and love in every direction.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on July 20, 1930, Evelyn was never just one thing. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a teacher, a friend, a confidante, a wisecracker, a gentle hand, a fierce protector, and the person you wanted in your corner when life got messy.
Above all, Evelyn loved her family and friends. After retiring from her 35+ year career as a third-grade public school teacher, she dabbled in politics, took the LSAT, worked in the judicial world, volunteered at many organizations in the NYC area (including the Holocaust Museum and the Lighthouse Guild for the Blind), and taught a dance class at the teacher’s union (well into her 80’s). She had a PhD in spoiling her grandchildren, and she absolutely loved staying active and being on the go! Evelyn lived for moments that mattered. Her laugh filled rooms, her hugs could mend broken hearts, and her advice—whether asked for or not—usually turned out to be right.
Evelyn is survived by her son, Bryan; grandchildren, Tia and Arianna; daughter-in-law, Daria; life-long surrogate sons, Chris and Glenn; and a list of friends longer than can fit in this column. Each of these individuals will carry her stories, her stubbornness, and her passion for living for the rest of their days.
We’ll gather to honor her life and legacy on:
Celebration of Life:
July 15, 2025, at 10:00am
Etz Chaim Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Avenue, Monroe, NJ 08831
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to theaftd.org.
Wear what makes you feel good – Evelyn hated stuffy traditions and loved a splash of color. She also loved giving and receiving gifts. So, for now, we’ll just have to carry her memory in every laugh, every shared meal, and every moment we choose joy over fear.
We miss you already and will love you forever.
Funeral services are Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00am at Congregation Etz Chaim – Monroe Twp Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Ave, Monroe Twp, NJ. Burial will follow at Beth David Cemetery, 300 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY. Shiva will be observed July 15 and 16 at the home of Bryan Scheff in Allentown, NJ, and on July 17 at Evelyn’s home in New York City (please contact the family directly for addresses.)
For condolences: OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Evelyn-Scheff