Evelyn Telford Gannon

WALLINGFORD - Evelyn Telford Gannon, 92, of Wallingford, entered into eternal life on September 23, 2023 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles William Gannon.

She was born February 4, 1931 in Madison, CT to the late Walter J. & Johanna (Kennelly) Telford. After graduating from Hand High School in Madison, Evelyn earned her business degree from Stone School of Business and began her career at SNET/AT&T as Employment Manager. She left in 1962 to take on the most important role of her life – the role of mother, and she truly was the very best. In 1980, she returned to SNET/AT&T as a Benefits Specialist until her retirement in 1988. 

Evelyn and her husband were founding members of the Church of the Resurrection where Evelyn served on the Ladies Guild. Faith was their foundation, and they were richly blessed with a wonderful family and a wide circle of dear friends; many of these friendships spanned over 6 decades.

They enjoyed travel and while on a cross-country excursion shared with their dearest friends, they fell in love with Arizona. They spent 9 winters as snowbirds before moving to Sun City West, AZ in 2001. Charles, with a passion for golf and Evelyn, an avid bridge player, they thoroughly enjoyed this chapter in their lives. Evelyn also devoted time to volunteering with the homebound in her AZ community and continuing that work at Masonic Home in Wallingford during summers in CT. 

Evelyn lived life to the fullest, she had a passion for nutrition, exercise and enjoyed walking and swimming. She had a great eye for fashion and loved shopping excursions with her daughter. She also enjoyed her computer where she dabbled in the stock market while also following news, politics, current events and staying in touch with her friends near and far.

Over the past few years, she showed us all her amazing courage and strength as she fought so fiercely, refusing to give in to the devastating effects of Parkinson’s. She faced it with unwavering grace and dignity.  It’s impossible to put into words all the joy she brought to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, generous heart, warm smile and we will miss her more than we could ever put into words.

Evelyn is survived by her adoring children: son, John P. Gannon, daughter, Nancy M. Gannon and her husband, Dennis Rodrigues – all of Wallingford; her sister, Lillian Caley Reeder of Middletown and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Besides her loving husband and her beloved parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in law, John M. (Anna) Telford, Walter J (Jean) Telford Jr. and Paul J. (Barbara) Telford and sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie T. (Tom) Gartner, Anna T. (Donald) Burns and Rita T. (Art) Hill as well as her cherished Bichon of 17+ years, Sophia. 

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, September 30th from 11am-1pm at the BC Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1:30 PM at the Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 400 Christian Street in Wallingford.

Gifts in Evelyn’s memory may be made to her beloved church, the Church of the Resurrection (www.resurrectionct.org), The Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org)or Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com).  To leave a message of remembrance or for directions, please visit www.BCBailey.com.

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