Evelyn M. (Van Riper) Seymour

On October 10, 2022, Evelyn Marie Van Riper Seymour quietly slipped out of the bonds of dementia, a disease that robbed her of her words, her memories and her independence. She was just shy of her 95th birthday.

Evelyn was born in November of 1927 to Metelill and Rollin Van Riper.  She grew up in Spencer, NY with her siblings Elma, Ruth, Maurice, Pauline and Fred.  Following graduation from  Alfred University, she married Ensio Koski.   They moved to Newfield, NY and had four children.

In addition to being a wife and mother, Evelyn worked as a  secretary at Cornell University in the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Division of Nutritional Sciences during the 60’s and 70’s.

In her mid-life, Evelyn moved to Interlaken, NY and married Richard A. Seymour.  She assisted him in the operation of Seymour Disposal.  After retirement, Dick and Evelyn spent several carefree years in Florida and traveling the country in their motor home until his passing in 1997.  Evelyn moved to McGraw House and spent her last independent days there, gradually relying more on family, neighbors and caregivers before moving to Seneca View Nursing Facility.  Evelyn’s family appreciates the kindness and patience of her many caregivers.

Evelyn was a quiet, kind and humble person.  She enjoyed being with family, effortlessly baking bread, preparing holiday dinners and summer family reunion picnics.  Throughout her life, she lived according to the Golden Rule.

In addition to her parents, siblings and husband, Evelyn was predeceased by grandson, Toby Koski. Evelyn is survived by her children Norma Whatman of Corning, Peggy (Tom) Roe, Dan (Beth Kniffen) Koski and Sharon Koski all of Newfield ; her grandchildren Tim (Kelli) Koski of Boston and  Jennifer (Stephen) Joiner of Houston.   She also leaves behind 3 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; an extended Seymour stepfamily, including stepson Robert (Lauri) Seymour of Ocala, FL;, stepdaughters Carolyn (Jim)  Chase of Cleveland, TN and Evajean (John) Loveless of Groton MA; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Evelyn’s family will receive visitors on October 24, 2022 at the Newfield United Methodist Church, 227 Main St., from 11:00 until noon.  Funeral services will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org) in Evelyn’s memory.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY.  Online condolences may be made to Evelyn’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.