Evelyn Else Groomer

Evelyn Else Groomer, 89, Wasilla passed away March 21, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Palmer. A celebration of life is from 2 to 4 p.m., May 4 at the Floyd D. Smith Senior Center in Wasilla.

Evelyn was born Feb. 9, 1924, in Mohnton, Berks County, Penn. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1941 and attended Lancaster General Hospital Nursing School in 1947. She settled in Anchorage from 1953-73. She has been in Wasilla since 1973.

In 1950, Evelyn took a graduate course in Orthopedic Nursing from the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospitals. From 1953-55 she worked at the Alaska Native Service Hospital. She then worked as a nurse at the Careage House and the Ridgeview Manor in Anchorage during the early 1970s. From 1974-76 she worked at the Palmer Pioneer Home in Palmer. She received her continuing education courses in 1973 from Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage. After many years of service in nursing, Evelyn retired in 1977.

In 1976, Evelyn was instrumental in founding the Mat-Su Valley Humane Society. She loved animals especially her cats, Rocky, Rowdy Obit Groomer Tommy and her dogs, Mahala Obit Groomer Friday. Evelyn also loved reading, doing word puzzles, and travelling. She loved learning all she could about Alaska and had quite an extensive collection of Alaska history.

Evelyn was a life member of the Lancaster General Hospital Alumni Association and a member of the Wasilla Area Seniors.

Evelyn is and will be deeply missed by her children, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends old and new, her three cats and two dogs.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; Otto A. and F. Hedwig Christen, a brother; Harold Christen, a sister; Elisabeth Lesher, and her husband; Logan G. Groomer.

She is survived by a son; Wayne O. Groomer, Wasilla, a daughter; Sharon H. Groomer, Wasilla, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to a charity of choice.

Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.