Evelyn Mary (Amelio) Childs

Our mother Evelyn is finally at peace. After several years of declining health, she quietly passed away during the early morning hours of January 3, 2017 with her daughter Joan by her side. The largest part of her 88 years, however, was anything but quiet. She relished nothing more than a house full of family, friends, and music.

Evelyn Mary Childs was born on June 23, 1928, to Carmine and Erminia (Folino) Amelio, and lived most of her life in Providence. She worked for many years for the N.E. Telephone & Telegraph Co. until retiring in 1998. Evelyn was married for 63 years to her late husband Bob Childs, and together they raised their five children, Mary Ellen Whiteman (and her husband David) of Maine, Joan Cyrul (and her husband James) of Connecticut, Robert P. Childs (and his wife Lisa) of Cranston, Diane E. Comerford (and her husband David) of Providence, and Christine A. Nolte of Cranston. Throughout their childhoods virtually no week passed without some family outing – from picnics at Goddard Park, to long days at the beach, Saturday night at the Drive-In, a road trip to the Bronx or New Hampshire to visit the cousins, or sledding or skating at Roger Williams Park.

When her children were grown, Evelyn devoted her later life to her many grandchildren, as the ultimate babysitter or cheering fan at countless sporting and musical events. No one encouraged them more, prayed for them harder or was prouder of the successes of Meghan (and Eric Sueltenfuss of Washington), Christopher Childs (and Veronica Montes of Florida), Katie, Patrick and David Comerford, Colin and Nick Whiteman, Jenna Childs, and Samantha and Daniel Nolte, and great-grandchildren Ethan Sueltenfuss, and Eliana and Karolina Childs.

Her much-loved sister Eleanor Wilson and brother Eugene Amelio survive her, and she was pre-deceased by her greatly admired brothers Carl and Edward Amelio.

Evelyn will not be forgotten as a dedicated wife and mother, adoring grandmother and devoted sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mostly, she is remembered for her endless energy – how she so loved to socialize, to dance, and to enjoy life.

Evelyn had her last really good day in October on a beautiful warm visit to Narragansett Beach with her daughters Chris and Mary Ellen. On her final day, her son Bobby, who she looked to for strength, gave her the go ahead to leave in peace.

Winter has always been her favorite time of year, and as her daughter Diane told her on Monday, “We hope there is ice skating in Heaven, Mom.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd, Cranston, followed by burial at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Family is invited to gather at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston to accompany her to church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908, or at stjude.org or to the charity of your choice.