Jesuit High School Portland, Oregon Summer 2009 Age Quod Agis

In MemoriamEvelyn Dieringer • 1927-2009By Fr. WiLLiAM HAyeS, S.J.Evelyn Dieringer died unexpectedly on April 14, 2009.Evelyn lived in Portland all of her 82 years. She attendedSt. Clare’s Catholic Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy.Evelyn married the love of her life, Robert E. Dieringer (Bob),on January 11, 1948. Bob died on August 9, 2007. In nearly60 years of marriage, Bob and Evelyn raised 12 children,followed by 41 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.Evelyn was a pro-life advocate and passionatelysupported a variety of charities, including St. Mary’sAcademy (which her six daughters attended), Jesuit HighSchool (which her six sons attended), Holy Family Churchand school, and the education of young men studying forthe priesthood, just to name a few. It was said of Evelynthat, “she lived simply so that others might simply live.”Evelyn lived that to perfection.Evelyn saw the beauty, the good, and the need in theworld. She listened with compassion and spoke words ofwisdom and kindness. Her hands touched, comforted andserved all those she encountered. She was a beloved wifeto Bob and a caring and dedicated mother, grandmother,and great grandmother. She was a holy, truly spiritual, Godlovingperson. Above all, she had a heart overflowing withlove.I think of Evelyn as a good friend to so many people.She had the gift of loving and caring for all of her friends.I first met Evelyn in 1980 when I drove from Seattle toBend for a few days of skiing with Bob and some of theiryounger children. Although Evelyn did not ski, where Bobwas she was and she was content to spend the day readingwhile we skied, happy to either go out to dinner or providedinner for all of us. At night we played many a game ofHearts and I will never forget the first time Bob dropped theQueen of Spades on her. I could not believe it, and askedBob how he could do that to his wife. A few hands later, andwith a big smile, Evelyn returned the favor and preventedBob from winning the game.Over the years there were ski trips and fishing tripsand Evelyn was always there, smiling, happy, peaceful andcontent. Whenever I was with Bob and Evelyn, we alwayshad daily Mass. We played together and we prayed together.What a blessing their friendship was.Though Evelyn has passed, her spirit continues livingin her family and in her many friends. She stills impacts usspiritually because of her faith in God, her love of God, andher love of family and friends.I see her entering heaven and Bob standing theregreeting her with, “Honey, it’s about time you got here.”•37 •