Evelyn Bernadette Bishop

Evelyn was born October 18, 1962 in Kennewick, Washington, to Dorothy and Spencer Bishop. Evy came into the world as the eighth of nine children and brought much joy to her siblings and parents with her beautiful bright smile, laugh and a sparkle in her eyes. She loved running and playing outside with her siblings and friends. She had asthma when she was young but Mom couldn’t keep her from running and playing and decided Evy somehow ran the asthma out of herself. After high school, Evy traveled to New York a few times. She loved the activeness of the city and she also loved theatre. She was fortunate to have friends who let her stay with them. She wrote screen plays and attended college in Manhattan for a time. She also attended Columbia Basin College where she acted in plays and was a very talented actress. She was an excellent baker and would fill the family home with lovely smells from her delicious breads and other baked goods. She helped Mom cook delicious dinners too. She had so much fun with her nieces and nephews. Evelyn had a son and while she was unable to raise him herself, he lit up her life and she loved him with all her heart. One of her nephews recently reminded us how Evy loved the book, The Little Prince. Reading the story again it seems perfect for Evy who kept her childlike wonder. The fox imparted the secret to the little prince that important things can only be seen with the heart, not the eyes. And the railway switchman who told the little prince how passengers constantly rushed from one place to another aboard trains never satisfied with where they were and not knowing what they were after; only the children bothered to look out the windows. When the prince decides to return home, he bids farewell and states that if it looks as though he has died, it is only because his body was too heavy to take with him to his planet. He consoles his friend by saying he only need look at the stars to think of the prince’s loveable laughter and that it will seem as if all the stars are laughing. Evy’s bright smile and laughter will always be in our hearts. Sadly, Evy was diagnosed with schizophrenia which made it difficult for her to realize her dreams and eventually made everyday life challenging. She was restless and moved often, sometimes staying with family or friends and other times venturing out on her own. Evy eventually moved to San Francisco. She loved the city and often spoke of the wonderful sites and interesting people. She spent the past 15 years there, primarily in the Tenderloin District. She lived in group homes and housing for homeless, but she felt most free being outside. She spent her days walking the city sidewalks. She often walked over 10 miles per day. Her Mom and family were so thankful when the team at South of Market Mental Health Services helped Evy to stabilize her medication and looked out for her. Evelyn passed away at St Francis hospital just before midnight on March 21, 2021 just a few months after our Mom passed away. Although none of her siblings could be there with her, we know our Mom and Dad were there waiting for Evy to join them. The family will be forever thankful to Abby Kahn, Dr. Washington and the rest of the team at South of Market Mental Health Services for their wonderful care of Evy. A special thank you to Abby Kahn as Mom and the family did not worry as much knowing Abby was looking out and caring for Evy like family. Evy trusted Abby and we are thankful she was able to make sure Evy got to hospital when she was so sick. We are also thankful to the nurses, doctors and staff at Saint Francis for their care of our sister and arranging for us to talk to her and to those who held her hand for us. Evy had an amazing way at seeing things in life and a wonderful way with words. When one of her sisters visited her a couple years ago Evy exclaimed “Seeing you is a Valentine for my heart”. During one of their last conversations, a sister asked if she felt a little better to be in the hospital and out of the wet winter San Francisco weather. Evy said she loved living in the rain. She said the rain falling on her was like being handed a cool glass of water on a warm summer day. When told by another sister that Mom was waiting for her, Evy said, Yes! Thank you to all the friends, family and care providers who looked out for Evy in this life, you answered her Mom’s prayers. Evy is survived by her siblings, Mary, Jeanne, Ed, Jim, Sandy, Jerry, Carole, Margie; her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews. She will always be loved and despite the hardships, she brought us all much joy.

Evelyn Bernadette Bishop

October 18, 1962 - March 21, 2021