Anne Louise Evola, 91, of St. Louis, died peacefully March 25, 2024, fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church and surrounded by her family.
Anne was born May 15, 1932, in Mildmay, Ont., Canada, to Herbert and Clara Weiler, the fourth of seven children.
She earned her nursing diploma from St. Michael Hospital School of Nursing in Toronto in 1954.
Shortly after, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked at St. Mary’s Hospital. In San Francisco, she met Richard Evola, a U.S. Army soldier stationed at The Presidio. They wed in 1957 in Anne’s hometown, Mildmay, settling in Richard’s hometown, St. Louis. They were married for 43 years, until Richard’s death in 2000.
Anne returned to nursing in 1974, working at the former St. Anthony’s Hospital until her retirement in 1988.
Anne was a loyal parishioner of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church for 66 years. There, she made many cherished friends, especially her crafters group, of which she was the “social director and trivia quiz master.”
Anne is survived by her dear sisters, Joan Weiler Schnurr and Rosemary Weiler Kennedy (Michael); sister-in-law Jean Weiler ; her devoted children, Kathryn (Joe) Holleman, Lynn (Steve) Moro, Joseph (Elizabeth) Evola and Angela Evola; adored grandchildren, Elizabeth (Christopher) Klaber, William (Molly) Holleman, Ellen (Jim Pope) Moro, Margaret (Garrett Rongey) Holleman, Andrew (Kristen) Evola, Katherine Evola, Allison Evola and Anne Evola; four treasured great-grandchildren; her large Canadian extended family, her numerous friends and supportive neighbors.
Special thanks go out to the physicians and staff at Siteman Cancer Center, especially Dr. Kristin Sanfilippo, nurse practitioner Lynn Golec and nurse Anna Baker, who helped manage her illness with skill and compassion, and the “angel nurses” at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Siteman South County Infusion Centers.
Before she passed, Anne expressed her thanks to all who showed her love, friendship and kindness, and wanted them to know that she loved them all.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Catholic Charities of St. Louis, www.ccstl.org.
Services: Visitation 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 6303 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis; followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. and private burial in Resurrection Cemetery.
Our lovely gentle Auntie Anna-lou. You will be missed! Although we did not see a lot of you of recent date, you were in our hearts often. Your selfless care of Uncle Dick was an example to us all. Your soft presence and gentle smile brightened many people’s day. I don’t know if I ever told you that we named our daughter Anna Louise, being inspired by you. I bet you don’t remember that you told me, after the twins were born, that God had given me my children as gifts as he knew I could rise to the challenge of raising them. In my sleep deprived state, those words gave me comfort. And this also exemplifies who you are- knowing how to reach out and uplift others. We will miss you Aunt Anna-Lou. So glad to have that brief moment with you when you showed up for the family photo at the farm (virtually) at the Mildmay Homecoming August 2023! Love to you and your family – clare schnurr
My condolences to you and your family.
Our beloved Auntie Anna-Lou, your smile was infectious, your laugh was contagious and when we saw you whether in St. Louis or in Southampton, it was always filled with happiness and joy.
You will be missed by Alan, Renee, Alexander and Christopher Schnurr. Rest in peace Auntie Anne and we know that Uncle Dick was waiting at the gates for you with open arms and a big hug. xo
Lynn I’m so very sorry. My deepest condolences. Praying for you and your family.
Our beautiful auntie – the kindest, loving, gentle soul. We loved you so much and you will be dearly missed! Love and hugs to all of our St. Louis family -Courtney Kennedy
My heart is so sad on the loss of your sweet mom. Nothing can replace a mother’s love, but the memories of her love will forever be in your hearts, in your interactions with others, in your every day life. Because she showed you all how to love and be the best you can be. I know she was so proud of her family. May she rest in peace and enjoy the eternal life she earned. Love to all of you.