Evalyn Jean Watkins O'Donel

Evalyn Jean Watkins O’Donel, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and mentor, peacefully passed away of natural causes on November 17th, 2024, at the age of 94. 

This child of God was born December 8th, 1929, in Medford Oregon to Floyd P. and Dorotha (McClain) Watkins. Evalyn was birthed by cesarean section delivery, which at that time was a true rarity. Evalyn described her childhood as having her younger sister Phyllis by her side, as well as life-long friend Joan and cousin Carolyn at her many birthday parties and family trips. From childhood, her father recognized Evalyn’s spirited nature and nicknamed her “Spunky”. A born female activist, she was elected by her fellow Medford School classmates as the female student governor for Girl’s State of the Oregon Legislature. She went on to graduate from Medford High School a year early, moving to Portland at 17, to attend what is now known as the OHSU School of Nursing. She proudly graduated as a Registered Nurse and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. 

Evalyn cherished her family life. She married her husband of 26 years, Jim O’Donel in 1950, and they shared the naval military life with their family of four children, Sharon, Kathie, Terry & Beckie. As a military wife and mother, Evalyn inspired and encouraged the children with her abilities in homemaking, music, knitting/crocheting, faith/church life, charity volunteer work, and participating/hosting military social events for their community. The children today cherish the many moments of family celebrations which included her signature prime rib & the Yorkshire pudding dinners topped off with cream puff desserts. Many moves across the country, including Panama Canal zone were required of this family, and she mentored each child in the art of resilience, integrity, and positive thinking. 

In Evalyn’s mid-life years, she became an active “grandmother on the go” to her eleven grandchildren. She participated in every one of the family events possible, whether they be in Oregon, Ohio, California, Washington, or Hawaii. She was known by the names of Mom, Grammie, Mimi, Aunt Evalyn, and Dean Dean to all the children in her life. During this period of life she enjoyed all of this fun and traveled with her partner Doug Harold. Being the multi-faceted person she was, she achieved all of this while serving as the director of nursing at Columbia Manor (now known as Marquis at Vermont Hills) in Portland. Evalyn also served as the pre-admission screening nurse in Oregon and later became a state surveyor for client care monitoring in nursing homes. Her favorite place on earth was the Oregon Coast. She lived in Oceanside Oregon for many years but loved all of the Oregon Coast. Her tireless dedication to patient care continued into her retirement, as she gave excellent loving care to her aging parents, and served on advisory committees at OHSU for the aging of Oregon citizens. 

Evalyn was preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” H. O’Donel, her daughter Sharon McCann, and partner Winston “Doug” Harold. She is survived by her children Kathie Cesa, Terry (Gail) O’Donel, and Beckie (Chris) Cornett and her sister Phyllis “An na” (Jim) Stokes. She was the cornerstone of her family and also is survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Her extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins all had a special place in her heart. 

Evalyn’s presence lit up every room she entered. Her signature color was purple, and she might have chosen to paint the sky with it if she could. The light of little “Spunky” grew to touch countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

A Celebration of Life 

Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11am

Oak Hills Presbyterian Church 

5101 SE Thiessen Road 

Milwaukie, Oregon 97267 

Suggested organizations to honor Evalyn’s volunteer passions: 

The Salvation Army, your local food bank, women’s advocacy and advancement organizations, Meals on Wheels, Oak Hills Presbyterian Church