Evelyn Wright Hadley

To summarize such a remarkable life is no easy task. Over her 91 years, Evie lived with purpose, faith, and deep love for her family and community. She grew up in Oakland, California, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of San Francisco and was a Registered Nurse graduate of St. Mary’s College of Nursing, also in San Francisco. 

Above all, Evie was a devoted wife to her husband, Greg, for 69 years, a loving mother to six children, and a cherished grandmother to fourteen. Her life was grounded in a profound and abiding commitment to her Roman Catholic faith, which she expressed through decades of active service in parish life and ministry. 

As a mother, Evie was both loving and firm, raising six children in Fullerton, California, with strength, humor, and determination. Her children still fondly recall her many rules—implemented, as she would say, to “keep the inmates from running the asylum.” In hindsight, her steady guidance and tireless care created a home filled with love, structure, and lasting values. 

Evie played a significant leadership role in the Cursillo Movement and spent sixteen years co-coordinating the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) in several parishes. Through her example and witness, she helped guide many into the Catholic Church. She also served faithfully as a lay Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, and Sacristan. 

While her life was centered on family and faith, Evie also embraced joy and recreation. She loved baseball and became an expert scorekeeper while attending countless youth baseball games. An accomplished contract bridge player, she brought a competitive spirit and sharp intellect to the table, earning the respect of her partners and opponents alike. 

Evie also had a passion for travel. She delighted in exploring the world, visiting Hawaii, Ireland, England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. For 18 months, she and the family lived in Australia, where she once again became an active and beloved member of her community—learning even to drive on the “wrong” side of the road and to play tennis. 

In 2005, Evie and Greg moved to Mary’s Woods Retirement Community. Over the next 21 years, she remained deeply engaged in community life, most notably serving as Chair of the Welcome Committee, where she warmly greeted and helped orient new residents. 

Evie is survived by her beloved husband, Greg; her six children, Eileen (Bahram), Mary (Don), Leigh Anne (Karl), Bing, David (Suzanne), and John (Susie); and her fourteen grandchildren, all of whom hold her in deep love and respect. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Malcolm Wright; her brother, Curtiss, and her sister, Ann. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers at the Marie Rose Center at Mary’s Woods and to Legacy Hospice for their compassionate and loving care in Evie’s final months. 

A memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on June 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Holy Names at Mary’s Woods. Private interment will follow at Willamette National Cemetery. 

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