Evelyn Currier

A Life of Integrity, Devotion, and Joyful Grit

Evelyn Currier lived 108 full and purposeful years, rooted in family, service, and a fierce belief in simplicity, honesty, generosity, and the power of doing what you love. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 25, 2025, having lived with grace, strength, and a work ethic that inspired generations.

Born in August 1916 on her maternal grandparents’ farm, Evelyn spent summers working in the fields with her four brothers, a foundation that forged her tireless energy and hardy New England grit. During the school year, she lived in Templeton, Massachusetts, and attended a tiny school with only eight classmates. She excelled academically, consistently making the honor roll and earning a varsity letter in track-racing in sprints, jumping events, and even once placing in a rolling pin throw at a Boston meet.

After high school, Evelyn pursued nursing at Cambridge-Mt. Auburn Hospital, graduating as an RN in 1937. She later earned her Public Health Certificate at Simmons College and worked as a private duty nurse, a Red Cross visiting nurse in West Virginia, and an epidemiologist for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Her deep dedication to nursing never wavered.

In Newton, she met Malcolm Currier, the son of one of her patients. They married in 1942 during WWII and began raising their family while Malcolm served in the U.S. Army. They eventually settled in Weston, MA, and raised four children: Joan, Stephen, Cheryl, and Brad. Malcolm passed away in 2005 with Evelyn at his side at their home in Marco Island.

Summers became a time of family adventure, initially camping in Ogunquit, Maine, and later on Cape Cod. In 1954, Evelyn and Malcolm opened the North of Highland Camping Area in North Truro, MA- a labor of love and perseverance. Evelyn managed the camp office, handled reservations by hand, and instilled a strong work ethic in her children, who helped open the camp on Memorial Day and close it after Labor Day. They cleaned, sold ice, operated the store, maintained the buildings and grounds, and cooked for the family. Pregnant with Brad during the camp’s second summer, she delivered him in Hyannis and returned to work almost immediately, caring for their newborn while running the business with Malcolm.

Evelyn ran the campground’s office for 30 years and later returned to part-time school nursing when Brad entered first grade. She retired in 1966 but remained an active and determined force, supporting the campground until it passed to her son Steve and now her grandsons, Brandon and Greg.

She was a passionate church member and volunteer, serving nearly every office in the Women’s Society at Weston Methodist Church. She later brought that same spirit to Wesley United Methodist Church in Marco Island, FL, and the Christian Union Church in Truro, MA. Her faith, like her life, was hands-on and heartfelt.

She was also a founding member of the Marco Island Shell Club and served as its chair, creating shell art and educating the public with her beloved conchology exhibits. She volunteered at the Collier County Library, Truro Public Library, and the Truro Historical Museum, where she led tours with joy and warmth.

Evelyn was never showy; she let her actions speak with quiet conviction. A true New Englander, she was strong, honest, determined, and exceptionally hardworking. She was a force of nature. Like a hummingbird, she was beautiful, petite, curious, and friendly, but stopped moving only long enough to eat. She sewed her kids’ clothes, cut their hair, cheered at their games, led Scout troops, and grew vegetables, berries, and wildflowers. She preferred the wind in her hair and refused to wear a hat. She loved adorable babies, wagging dogs, brilliant skies, and a good, honest day of outdoor work.

She believed in three core life lessons: “Do the right thing. Keep it simple. Do what you enjoy.” And she lived them. She also modeled unwavering self-belief: “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”

In her later years, Evelyn spent summers with Malcolm walking the bluffs at High Head in North Truro, gazing out at Cape Cod Bay, Pilgrim Lake, the tip of the Cape, and the ocean beyond the ever-changing dunes. After Malcolm’s passing, she remained active, mowing the lawn, maintaining the home, tending to raspberries, and driving “the old people” to church. In the evenings, finally sitting down, she could be found on the porch of their High Head home, surrounded by Malcolm’s paintings, simply “watching the world go by.”

Her ashes will be scattered at High Head, the place she cherished most.

She is survived by her children: Joan (Currier) Page (Russell) of Wilmington, NC; Steve Currier (Anita) of Bradenton, FL; Cheryl Currier (John P. Whitney) of Seminole, FL; and Brad Currier (Nancy) of San Diego, CA.

Her grandchildren include: Kim Perry (Rob) and Bret Page (Mary) of Raleigh, NC; Greg Currier (Holly) of Alexandria, VA, and North Truro, MA; Brandon Currier (Jana) of North Truro, MA; Sarah Currier of La Mesa, CA; Michael Currier (Andrea Petsinger) of Leucadia, CA. and Thomas Currier of Leucadia, CA.

Her great-grandchildren include: Elizabeth Lamb (Will), Nick Perry (Molly), Caroline Currier, Danielle Currier, Philip Currier, Ava Currier, Henry Lieder, and Rosie Lieder. Her great-great-granddaughter is Hazel Evelyn Lamb.

She loved deeply, lived fiercely, and never apologized for telling it like it is. She was beautiful- inside and out- with a generosity of spirit and an innate sense of good judgment. Her deep faith in God guided her every step, and she always made those around her smile, often with a twinkle in her eye and a perfectly timed, candid remark.

As Evelyn always said, instead of goodbye: “Have a good one!”

A PRIVATE GATHERING WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

Her family wishes to thank the kind and attentive staff at the Palms of Largo, Seasons Belleaire, and Suncoast Hospice for their excellent care.

Donations may be made in her name to Suncoast Hospice (Empath Health),

The Truro Historical Society, the Marco Island Shell Club,

The Methodist Church of Weston, MA, The Methodist Church of Marco Island, FL,

The Christian Union Church in North Truro, MA, or a charity of your choice.

 

Tribute and photos provided by her son, Brad Currier