SARATOGA SPRINGS — Evelyn Meindl, 89, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 7.
She was born in 1925 in Evanston, Illinois and lived most of her life in the Chicago area. She was the daughter of Henry Schwall and Bridget O’Sullivan Schwall of Wilmette, Illinois.
Evelyn left high school in 1942 to take a job in a defense industry and was enormously proud of completing her high school education years later through the GED program. In 1946, she met Hank Meindl at a square dance in Wilmette. Hank proposed on their first date and they were married six months later.
Ev and Hank had one child, Pam Farrell of Saratoga Springs, and lost two infant sons, each dying on his first day of life.
Evelyn was a genuine piece of work. Although beset by serious health problems throughout her adult life, she and Hank shared a wonderful marriage for 66 years. Hank called Ev “Charlie” or, more often, his “Prairie Flower.” She was a superb cook, an accomplished seamstress, who worked creating and sewing bridal gowns, and a terrific square dancer. She played bridge as if going for the jugular.
In 1971, she was reborn as “Moma – World’s Best Grandmother.” She loved her grandchildren, Josh and Molly Farrell, completely and spent much of each year plotting ways to extend her many visits to Saratoga to epic proportions.
When the great-grandchildren (Liam, Nolan and Quinn) came along later, she couldn’t believe her luck.
In 1999, Ev and Hank moved to Prestwick Chase in Saratoga. Through 66 years of marriage, she and Hank were inseparable, right up to sharing the same room at Wesley for the past year of Hank’s life. They were still holding hands—literally—when Hank died last year.
Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Pam (Dick) Farrell of Saratoga, her grandchildren Molly Farrell of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Josh and Kitren Farrell, and their sons Liam, Nolan and Quinn, also of Worcester.
Friends and relatives may call from 8:30am to 9:30am on Monday, October 13th, at Our Ladies Chapel in St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Timothy F. Keating, C.Ss.R. at 9:30am in the chapel.
Evelyn will be interred with Hank at a later date at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Ev’s family, we would like to express their enormous gratitude to the staff on 3rd Floor Springs at Wesley for their never-ending kindness, especially during Ev’s last days. You are wonderful.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
