Evelyn Brent Roehrs

Evelyn Brent (neeWolcott) Roehrs, 92, of Devon, PA died on Tuesday August 19, 2014. Brent was the wife of the late Walter E. Roehrs, Jr. and daughter of the late Alice (nee Huston) & Robert W. Wolcott. Born in Caln, Brent was a direct descendant (on her father’s side) of Oliver Wolcott; Governor of Connecticut & signer of the Declaration of Independence as well as a direct descendant (on her mother’s side) of Rebecca Lukens; an American businesswoman & owner of the Iron & Steel Mill which became the Lukens Steel Company of Coatesville, Pa. Embracing qualities from both lines, she became an accomplished horsewoman riding to hounds with several Chester County hunts and completing a 100 mile endurance race. Brent enjoyed fly fishing for trout & salmon; with her last trip having been to Kodiac Island, Alaska. She was a talented wood worker building some of her own furniture. Brent was also a consummate cook and gardener; specializing in orchids. In the late 1950’s she began a career of helping others; forming the Visiting Nurse Assoc. of Downingtown, PA & as President of the Health & Welfare Council of Chester County. In addition, Brent founded a social services referral agency called Chester County Cares. With all her outstanding contributions to health care, Brent was awarded the Benjamin Rush Award and was appointed to the PA Health Services Agency by then Governor Richard Thornburg. After joining the Greater Phila. Chamber of Commerce at the request of the late (former City Councilman)Thatcher Longstreth, she left the public sector to join the Pew Foundation as a Health Care Consultant. After retiring, Brent continued her life of service by sitting on the Boards of Directors of several organizations, which included Associated Services for the Blind, The Church Farm School as well as various others. Brent was predeceased by a brother: Robert W. Wolcott, Jr. Surviving are 4 children: Giles (Donna), Geoffrey (Jill), Harold (Donna) Ross & Rebecca Smith, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren, a sister: Alice Palmer, of Hamilton, Bermuda many nieces & nephews as well as her dear friend: James G. Klunk. Relatives and friends may call on Wed. August 27, 2014 at Alleva Funeral Home, Inc.: 1724 East Lancaster Ave. Paoli, PA from 10-11AM. A Funeral Service will begin at 11AM. Interment to follow at St. David’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, Radnor, PA.