Obituary of Evelyn Isabelle Bond

Evelyn Russell Bond, age 91, of Takoma Park, MD, died peacefully on July 22, 2015 at the Hillhaven Assisted Living Center in Adelphi, MD. She was born February 17, 1924 in Northfield, MA, the daughter of the late Mary Jane (MacGinn) and Thomas Joseph Russell. She graduated from Northfield High School, with honors from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA in 1946, and obtained a Master of Arts degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City in 1951. Always seeking to learn, Evelyn completed additional graduate coursework over the years at Hunter College, University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University, and was trained as a docent at the National Gallery of Art. Evelyn dedicated her life to furthering the education of young people, teaching English from 1946 until her retirement in 1990. Early in her career, she taught in New York City and Florida. She then taught for thirty years in Montgomery County, MD at Northwood and Wheaton High Schools, where she held leadership positions as Department Chair and Resource Teacher. She was well-regarded by her students and colleagues, not only for her intellect and passion, but for the personal attention she gave both in and out of the classroom. As a longtime resident of Takoma Park, MD, Evelyn loved her community, and was blessed with many good friends and neighbors. She enjoyed traveling, often taking impromptu road trips with her husband to points along the east coast and visiting England and Scotland. She also knew the city well, and frequented DC's museums, galleries and theatres to satiate an appetite for the arts. Although forever an independent spirit, Evelyn moved into assisted living in 2012 at Hillhaven, where she found great care and companionship from the staff and residents. She continued to be an avid reader, surrounding herself with new books, old classics, and her Kindle. Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert T. Bond, whom she devotedly cared for in his later years. She is also preceded in death by two of her brothers, Robert Russell of New Concord, OH, and James Russell of Midwest City, OK. Evelyn is survived by her brother, Thomas Russell of Northfield, MA, sister-in-law, Sally (Jon) Mohler of Vero Beach, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Evelyn touched the lives of many during her long life. She was a kind and gentle woman with a beautiful personality and a big heart. She loved generously and genuinely, and will be dearly missed by all. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parish of St. Monica and St. James, 222 8th St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002. Burial will be held at a later time in Northfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Evelyn Russell Bond's name may be made to support the Northfield Public Library (115 Main St., Northfield, MA 01360) or to a charity of one's choice.