Evelyn Sokolsky died peacefully on November 23, 2017, in Pleasant Hill, California. She was born September 27, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, to Mae and Al Levin. A true child of the depression, her mother was a seamstress and dressmaker and her father held various jobs through the Works Progress Administration. Evelyn was studious and bookish, and grew up surrounded by a large, tight-knit, multigenerational family. She was especially close to her sister, Zelda, and remained so their entire lives.
In 1946 Evelyn met Leo Sokolsky, a dashing young man who was also from the Bronx. This was the start of a 65-year romance that never flickered or faltered. After their marriage in 1948, Evelyn and Leo moved to Gloversville, New York, where a business opportunity was waiting with Leo’s brother. Their two children, Mona and Steve, were born and raised there, and a large group of lifelong friendships were made. Along with six other couples, Evelyn and Leo formed the Saturday Night Supper Club — a monthly gathering that featured much food and even more fun. They were very much involved at the local Jewish Community Center where they starred to much acclaim in productions of Broadway plays.
A lifelong aficionado of clothes and fashion, Evelyn worked at various retail establishments, where her talent for matching women with their ultimate style was realized. After both Mona and Steve moved to California in the early 1970s, Evelyn and Leo moved in 1978 to San Francisco, where they continued their careers and eventually retired. They loved living in the city, where they could walk, see movies, and eat at interesting restaurants.
After Leo’s passing in 2011, Evelyn moved to Pleasant Hill to be closer to Mona and to her granddaughter, Audra, who made Evelyn’s eyes light up whenever she entered the room.
Evelyn is survived by daughter, Mona (Bill Kepler) of Pleasant Hill; son, Steve (Doris Andrusz) of Madison, Wisconsin; granddaughter, Audra Kepler; niece, Donna Cohen; and nephew, Mitchell Cohen, both of New York City.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at a later date.
