Evelyn Giddings
March 28, 1925 ~ March 12, 2019 "Some of my best friends are earthworms" Evelyn was a special kind of teacher. With the eyes of an artist she found beauty and humor in the world around her. She was an avid and gifted storyteller. Sharing her wisdom and enthusiasm for life helped many find and take a path that brought joy to their lives. She was born in Pa'auhau, on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii. In 1943 Evelyn graduated from Roosevelt High in Honolulu. She attended the School for American Craftsmen, in Alfred, New York, where she studied metal-working and copper enameling. In 1949 She married a fellow student of metalwork and returned to O'ahu, settling on a two-acre farm in Waimanalo. They had two daughters: Ann and Lynn. Evelyn moved to Manoa in 1953, where she raised her daughters as a single mom. In 1966 she welcomed ho'okama daughter, Morlee, to the family. In 1959 Evelyn met artist Jean Charlot, this was the beginning of an inspiring, fruitful, twenty- year partnership. Evelyn executed Charlot's work in copper repouss and enamel, copper plate champlev and bronze casting. She also worked with him on fresco murals and ceramic pieces. Evelyn received private and Hawai'i state art commissions. Her independent, creative spirit was her strength through her long career as an artist and teacher in the field of metal-working. Evelyn volunteered at the Lyon Arboretum. She was a knowledgeable collector of kalo. Evelyn started composting in the early 1950's. This became a lifelong passion. She taught many the basics of composting. Working on organic farms was the focus of her later years. She found joy in the magic of plant growth and the miracle of organic recycling. She did her utmost to help each molecule, each drop of water, return gently to the cycle of life. Evelyn lived simply, filled with curiosity and amazed by the beauty and wonder of nature. She died quietly at her home in Manoa on March 12, 2019. To all who knew and loved Evelyn, thank you for the joy and happy memories you created with her. For information about a Celebration of Evelyn's Life, send an email to: alohaev2019@gmail.com. Please include a phone number. If you would like to honor Evelyn's life by making a donation in her name please consider these suggestions: ** Lyon Arboretum: manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum ** Hawai'i Nature Center: hawaiinaturecenter.org ** Wallyhouse. 805-535-5677: stelizabeth720.org ** East-West Center: arts.eastwestcenter.org ** Malama Manoa: malamamanoa12@gmail.com
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased