Evelyn Johnson, age 63, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 22nd, at her home in Bay City. Evelyn worked at Carleton for 42 years, beginning right after she graduated from high school in June 1969 and retiring in September 2011. During those years, she worked as the secretary in the Modern Languages and Geology Departments, and in the Career Center, but mostly as the Registration Coordinator. Evelyn’s “work sisters” in the Registrar’s office describe her as fun, generous, and witty, as well as a great worker who helped to build a strong team.
Evelyn adored her children and grandchildren and loved working in her garden. She is also survived by her sister, Nikki Lamberty, in the History Department. A more complete obituary can be found at the Benson and Langehough Funeral Home website.
Visitation will be at the Benson and Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield on Tuesday, January 27th from 4 to 7pm. The funeral will also be at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 28th at 11:00am. There will be a celebration of her life at the Northfield V.F.W. after the funeral.
Comments
Eve was such a positive part of the "Carleton Experience" and a great colleague to us all. Her tireless work ethic, positive demeanor and wonderful sense of humor made even the most mundane experience enjoyable. The world was a better place because of her. She made a difference.
I'm just floored by this sad news! The Registrar's office hasn't been the same since Evie left!! Her smiling face and her endless patience with faculty and students alike will be long remembered.
Evelyn was a stalwart in the Registrar’s office and residing on Second Laird, I saw her often during the day when she was at work there. She always seemed to be smiling or laughing or looking up an answer for me that I should have known myself. The folks in the Registrar’s office always looked like they were having way too much fun together – they still do! – and Evelyn was an important part of that camaraderie and mischief. I didn't know she had worked so long at Carleton but it was clear she was at home there. I consider myself lucky to have known her.
Evelyn will always be a part of my Carleton. She was so friendly and knowledgeable and helpful... and let me add patient. How many times did I ask questions that I should have known the answers to or called up to ask for "a few more minutes" to finish calculating final grades, and Evelyn put me immediately at ease. She was truly amazing in her institutional knowledge and her ability to discern the precise "pinch point" where a process might go astray. What I also noticed was that, like her colleagues Ann and Candy, a true commitment to the students and to us faculty energized her work. Details mattered because those details recorded effort, accomplishments, and aspirations and likewise could open and close doors. She was a guardian of the College's memory and students' careers, and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her in my time at Carleton. I am deeply saddened that her much deserved retirement has been so shortened.