Evelyn Marion (Nikischer) Punzelt

EVELYN MARION (NIKISCHER) PUNZELT

Essex, Conn.

Evelyn Marion (Nikischer) Punzelt, passed away Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, after a short illness and a long, well-lived life. She was the daughter of the late Stephen and Emma (Hood) Nikischer and loving wife of the late Philip M. Punzelt Jr.

She leaves her sister, Lillian M. Johnson, La Mirada, Calif., her son, Dirk; two sisters-in-law; six nieces; and one nephew; plus extended family and beloved friends.

Born in Manhattan, on Jan. 8, 1921, she moved to Westport, in the late 1930s and graduated from Staples High in 1940, where she was one of the first women to join the Staples rifle team. After Philip returned from World War II, Evelyn and Philip were married in Manhattan, on June 1, 1946, at the Church of the Transfiguration, "the Little Church Around the Corner."

From 1946 to 1948, Evelyn and Philip lived in Miami, Fla. They relocated to Norwalk, Conn., and in 1953 returned to Westport to establish their home of 32 years, where they raised their son. They were active members of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church until their move to Essex, Conn., in 1985. After Philip's death in 1998, Evelyn spent many winter months in Melbourne, Fla., with her son, Dirk.

As a child, Evelyn enjoyed learning ballet, which led to a lifelong interest in various forms of dance. Evelyn loved to travel, and she and her husband explored the U.S. and Europe for a few weeks each summer. She became a devotee of Scottish dancing, hosting a member of a bagpipe groups from Edinburgh, Scotland, and forming a lifelong friendship with the Frasier family. Evelyn was a very caring person ready to help in any situation. She was an inspiration to everyone who came to know her.

Dirk would like to thank his colleagues and friends from Rockwell Collins for their support over the years while caring for his mother.

Funeral service is Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3 Cross St., Essex, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Robinson, Wright and Weymer Funeral Home in Essex is assisting the family. To share a memory of Evelyn, or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.