Evelyn Whitford Dyer

Evelyn Whitford Dyer died peacefully at home on December 21, 2020. After suffering a serious stroke, her family brought her home to the house where she lived for 62 years. She was born on June 18, 1931, to Louis and Mary Ann Gardiner Whitford. She was the youngest of four children. In 1948 she graduated from South Kingstown High School and on July 3rd married the love of her life Rowland Brooks Dyer, Sr. They were married for 57 years until his death in 2005. They had 6 children: Mary Lou (Steve Campana), Susan Anderson (Peter), Rowland, Jr. (Cheryl), H. Garry (Jane), Richard (Athena), and Jeffrey (Deb). Evelyn was so proud of her children and of her 9 grandchildren, Laurie Peitz, Jad Anderson, Cabe Anderson, Derek Dyer, Rebecca Dyer, Emily Dyer Flynn, Lindsey Dyer Lipp, Kyle Dyer, and Amber Dyer. One of the greatest joys of her later life has been meeting her great grandchildren, Taralyn Smith, Rose Enes, Sean Enes, Abby Dyer, Joshua Dyer, Savanna Dyer, Tess Flynn, Keira Flynn, and Kennedy Lipp. Evelyn worked approximately 30 years at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography on the Bay Campus. She enjoyed working with the faculty, staff, and particularly the students. She and Rowl remained friends with many of her colleagues after her retirement. Mom and Dad always welcomed friends and family to their home in West Kingston for family reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and just plan old fun. They were avid travelers and square dancers. Mom enjoyed knitting, walking with her neighborhood friends, and, of course, quilting with her friends at the famous "Tuesday" quilting club. She loved reading right to the end of her life. She did not read "fluff" but dug into histories and biographies. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her daughter, Susan, and her son, Rowland, Jr. The family hopes to celebrate her long and full life later in 2021 when it is safe to gather. Please donate in Evelyn's memory to VNA of Care New England Hospice, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886