Evelyn Buika

To say she lived an incredible life is an understatement. Born in May of 1925, to Leonora and Louis Rogowski, she was raised during the Great Depression, the 6th of 7 children, in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Perhaps this extremely humble upbringing led to the eternal gratitude she had for everything that she ever earned or was given.

She met the love of her life, Henry, and after he returned from WW2, they married in 1947. Together they were amazing dance partners on the floors (and in life) attending dances by the Swing and Jazz greats of the times, hosting neighborhood BBQ’s backyard, Poker games and family gatherings. They shared 55 years of marriage together.

Her oldest child of five, Jim was born in 1952, and from that point until 30 years later when her youngest, Teresa left for college in 1982, she always had a family and kids in the house. She was such a giving mother, and very active in all of family’s activities from church to sports. Evelyn and Henry both were involved as fans and volunteers in their kids youth sports, including through high school and college. She also worked as a Secretary in many jobs but notably for years with Honeywell both in CT and CA.

She loved to knit, garden and bake and was known for delicious apple pies and coffee cakes. She had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to her ancestral home, Poland, with a church group at the age of 82! She was also known to have amazing luck with the slot machines. She was appreciative of everything she had and was always willing to help those less fortunate.

When all five kids had relocated to California for either work or college, Evelyn and Henry sold their homestead in CT and moved to Long Beach, CA so they could be closer to them and eventually their grandkids. They retired to Fort Collins, CO in 1993, where they lived together until Henry passed in 2003, and then on her own since then.

She is survived by her five children: James (Sau) in Maui, HI; Paul (Maggie) in Long Beach, CA; Lynn Marie in Highlands Ranch, CO; Robert (Corinne) in Franklin, TN, and Teresa (John) in Santa Cruz, CA. She also had eight Grandchildren (Kyle, Erin, Emily, Tasha, Pelemarie, Olioli, Rose and Anastasia) and ten great grandchildren. She was loved by many other family members, wonderful neighbors over the years, and other friends.

On the occasion of her 99th birthday last year, one of her granddaughters asked for her for any words of wisdom. Evelyn replied, “Be good. Just be good, and just don’t work too hard.” Words to live by.

In her memory, feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice, make a pie for a friend or play a silver dollar in the next slot machine you come across.