Obituary of Margaret Annette Evans (Streeter)

Margaret Annette Evans (Streeter), 92, died peacefully on September 20, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family, at her son’s home in Tully, NY. She was born on March 9, 1928 in Syracuse, NY to Jesse Carmel (McDowell) and Lucius Randolph Streeter.

Margaret was a 1945 graduate of Onondaga Valley Academy. She was a combination of brains and beauty and was voted “Miss New York State Fair” as a teen. Margaret was introduced to nursing as a Girl Scout and became a Nurse Cadet while in high school. She pursued her passion for nursing at Syracuse General Hospital graduating as an RN in 1948. In 1949 Margaret and her lifelong best friend Helen Braun (Ames) took a road trip to Miami where they enjoyed a year soaking up the sunshine while working at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Upon her return to Syracuse Margaret soon married John S. Evans her husband of 56 years who predeceased her in 2008. They settled on Onondaga Hill where they raised their family and were known for their community involvement. Their famous backyard parties were something to look forward to rain or shine! During this time Margaret worked as a Private Duty Nurse and then returned to school with three little kids in tow to spend summers at SUNY Oneonta to earn her B.S. degree. She continued her graduate education at Syracuse University.

Margaret’s empathy for those with special needs lead her to a 22 year career as a Home Service Director for The United Cerebral Palsy Association (Enable/Access). She worked tirelessly to develop programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. She was an advocate and educator assisting individuals and families with vocational, educational, medical and financial services. At a time when people with disabilities were often isolated and excluded she helped open up a world of inclusion in every walk of life for these individuals.

Margaret had an adventurous spirit including a love of speed! For her 89^th birthday she fulfilled her dream of racing on the Daytona International Speedway. Although she didn’t drive she did ride many laps in a Nascar with speeds over 150 mph!! Margaret’s love of travel took her across the country and beyond! Another of her dreams was to cruise the Mediterranean and she did that at age 83. In her signature jewel encrusted sunglasses she hiked the ruins of Pompeii, rode donkeys up the cliffs of Santorini, shopped the markets in Turkey and enjoyed every moment! Gathering her family together for reunions was one of the greatest joys of Margaret’s life. Her 90th surprise birthday party was a reunion highlight as family gathered in Florida from as far away as China to celebrate an incredible matriarch with beach bonfires, music and food.

Always striving to make a difference in her community and beyond, Margaret served on many boards and in many capacities for various organizations. She was a member of Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church (Elder, Deacon, Teacher), Past President of Syracuse General Hospital Alumni Association, Secretary of Cerebral Palsy Women’s Auxiliary, Past President of Zonta of Syracuse, member of Central City Chapter of Eastern Star and City View Garden Club and longtime volunteer for the Red Cross and Onondaga County Health Department.

Beyond her work, Margaret’s pride and joy were her family. She was predeceased by her grandson, Brian Davis in 2018 and is survived by her six children, Lynne Huepper (Ken) of San Diego, CA; Randy Evans (Mimi) of Syracuse, NY; Karen Uyttewaal of New Smyrna Beach, FL; David Evans of Camillus, NY; Eric Evans (Audrey) of Tully, NY; and Robert Evans of Edgewater, FL. Margaret was adored by her fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren who span the globe. She also sadly leaves behind her sister, Annette Emerson of Moorestown, NJ; her brother, The Rev. Dr. Richard Streeter (Patricia) of Paoli, PA as well as several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Listing Margaret’s accomplishments hardly gives insight into the essence of this remarkable woman. She was selfless to a fault and lived her life in the service of others. Compassionate and a true friend to everyone, her door was always open and a cup of tea was always waiting. We are all better for having had her in our lives. Rest now and be at peace.

LOVE YOU MORE !!!

Continuing her service to others Margaret chose to donate her body for science and the education of health care professionals. Therefore, services will be held at a later date.

The family is extremely grateful to Hospice of Central New York and the Finger Lakes for their wonderful, loving care during her final days. Donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to Access of Central New, www.accesscny.org/donate, and Aurora of Central New York, http://www.auroraofcny.org/donate/