Obituary: Destefano, Evelyn Mcdonald Burbank
Age 86
A lifelong Christian, she faced death without fear during her nine month battle with cancer.
Born to Floyd Leland McDonald and Ruth Helvey McDonald, she is survived by her husband of sixteen years, Anthony De Stefano; her children, Cheryl, Kristina, Dennis [Sharon] and Brian [Judie] Burbank; grandchildren, Jennifer Clauson [Brett], Seth Burbank [Alyssa]; great-grandchildren, Andrea and Sawyer Clauson, and Danika Burbank; siblings, Floyd [Virginia], Richard, Marilyn, Gary [Sandy] and Roger.
She considered Anthony’s children, Jim [Carolyn], Connie, Debbie [Gerry] and Toni Jo [Greg] to be her own.
She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Donald E. Burbank Jr., and by her sister Lois Leuthold.
Her early years were shaped by life on her grandfather’s farm in Green Bluff during the Great Depression.
There her father built the family house and her mother baked the bread and raised all the food that came to the table, crafting Christmas gifts and toys at home.
Evelyn’s lifelong love of family, hospitality, and beauty were born there, as was her energetic work ethic.
She later recalled that ‘picking strawberries to buy school clothes was hard on the back, but good for the character.’
Early lessons served her well in later years.
The young student who studied geography in a small country schoolhouse became the traveler who explored Italy and Vienna in ‘the trip of a lifetime.’
The young girl who loved moonlight on snow became the woman who loved bling-fine jewelry and tables set with good food and pretty things.
The many friends and family who gathered at her table to celebrate holidays and ‘everydays’ will deeply miss her warm hospitality and generous spirit.
Those who met her through chance encounters-hot air ballooning, white water rafting, dancing, working out in the gym, or through work or social settings will miss the joy she brought to each experience.
Viewing: Hennessey Smith Funeral Home, May 10th, 10 am - 4 pm Address: 2203 N. Division Memorial Celebration: Advent Lutheran Church, May 24th, 3:00 pm Address: 13009 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice House North of Spokane