Evelyn M Lambert

Evelyn May Lambert of West Springfield, MA, died peacefully on April 29, 2024, at the age of
96.
She was born in Northampton, MA in 1927 to Norman and Nellie Watts, and was raised in
Middlefield, MA. Evelyn moved to Springfield, MA after graduating from Chester High School in
1945, and married Leonard Wilson Lambert in 1948. They purchased a home in West
Springfield, MA in 1954, and raised a beautiful family together. She went back to school at the
age of 53 to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse; after obtaining her nursing license,
she worked at Mount Marie Nursing Home for 20 years serving the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Evelyn was known for her kindness, compassion, and fighting spirit. She treasured her time with
her grandkids and loved being everyone’s Grammie. She was the best storyteller and enjoyed
sharing vivid memories of her childhood on the farm as a mischievous youngster — over the
years, several of her grandchildren even invited her to John Ashley Kindergarten School as their
show-and-tell guest. She had a special love for chocolate and hosted an infamous “candy
buffet” in her dining room for guests and grandkids to enjoy. Her kitchen table was a popular
gathering spot for all who knew her, and she found great joy in hosting her friends and family.
Evelyn was not only a beloved friend but also a trusted confidant, always offering a listening ear
and wise advice to those in need. She was an avid reader and accumulated a home library with
over 200 titles that she regularly lent out to friends and family.
Evelyn’s remarkable perseverance guided her through life’s many trials, leaving an enduring
legacy of strength, generosity, and determination for all who knew her. She will be dearly missed
by many.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Lambert; her sister, Norma
Torro; her brother, Buddy Watts; her sister-in-law and best friend for 70 years, Marion Bourque;
and is survived by her daughters, Jean Byrne, Laurie Lambert, and Barbara Bergeron; her son,
Ronald Grzesik; her 17 grandchildren, Michael Byrne, Alissa Byrne-Scibelli, Jennie McCollum,
Gwen Kelling, Claire Kelling, Hannah Kelling, Nicholas Bergeron, Mary Bergeron, Peter
Bergeron, Ann Doucette, John Bergeron, Kate Bergeron, Josh Bergeron, Eric Bergeron, Ashley
Bergeron, Emily Bergeron, and Lindsey Bergeron; and her 14 great-grandchildren, Sarah
Bergeron, Lauren Bergeron, Colin Bergeron, Evelyn Bergeron, Emma Bergeron, Amelia
Doucette, Eleanor Doucette, Sam Byrne, Eli Byrne, Jack Sutorius, Alec Sutorius, Kate Sutorius,
Liam McCollum, and Lucy McCollum.
Evelyn’s funeral mass will be Monday May 6, 2024, at 11:30AM at St Thomas Church. Calling hours are Monday 10-11AM at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St West Springfield with burial in St Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
sent to The West Springfield Library and would be greatly appreciated. As Grammie would say,
fare thee well.