Evelyn Buswell

Evelyn Buswell, 87, 1379 N. Kellogg St., died suddenly of a heart attack on Monday (Nov. 30, 2009) in Peoria. She was born July 10, 1922, in Wethersfield, to Albert August and Amelia Mursener Hamilton. She graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1940, and married Walter E. Buswell in Havana on Aug. 29, 1946. He died on Nov. 12, 2001. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Buswell of Oakland, Calif., and Maureen Mueller of Galesburg; two grandchildren, Rosemary McGowan and Amelia McGowan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Edward, John, Albert and Paul; six sisters, Edith, Louise, Doris, Elisabeth and Dorothy, and most recently, her lifelong friend and special sister Clara Sovanski. Evelyn was a lifelong bridge player who was active until her death in several bridge clubs, one of which she had played in for more than 50 years. She enjoyed gardening and cooking, was an active member of Friends of the Galesburg Public Library, sat on the Visiting Nurses Association board, and was the yellowest of yellow dog Democrats, supporting Democratic candidates at every level throughout her life. She was also a long-time supporter of WTVP-Peoria public television and a fan of Jack Larson's show on WAIK Radio. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles and play word games, remaining a truly fearsome Scrabble opponent to the end. She was the assistant manager of Waldenbooks for 10 years and was an election judge in Galesburg for many years. For her kindness, generosity, goodwill and humor, she will be very dearly missed by her family and friends. Her family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, particularly Dr. Dale Geiss and chaplains Patrick Andresen and Mack Clark, as well as to the ER nursing staff at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. Memorials may be made to Friends of the Galesburg Public Library or WTVP-Peoria. There will be an informal remembrance of Evelyn's life at her home from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.