Evelyn J. Hatfield, 77, of Sheffield heartbreakingly passed away after a second courageous battle with cancer. She left the world peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at her home of 41 years. Thankfully, she was constantly surrounded by loving family and friends whom she in turn loved so much.
Eve was born Jan. 22, 1941 in Hong Kong, China. Her parents, Sterling and Heather Tomlinson, soon faced the unthinkable: prisoners of war by the Japanese from Dec. 8, 1941, through August 1945. Evelyn and her parents persevered and remained “unbroken” until an American Tank Division rumbled into camp, and gave little Evelyn her first chocolate bar! They immediately returned to a war-ravaged England. After regrouping, Dr. Tomlinson was sent to Zambia, Africa, to work as a physician for the British government. Eve and her mother soon followed. Yes, this is where Evelyn spent her childhood. Traveling 1,300 miles by train past Victoria Falls to attend a prestigious private school in Johannesburg, South Africa, returning for summer break every year by herself via train—very brave! After Evelyn graduated, she spent time traveling, and ended up in Westchester, New York. Evelyn then met the love of her life, Frederick A. Hatfield, and they soon married in September 1965. Not long afterward, Adam and Heather were born. The Hatfield family made the move to Sheffield in 1976, where they resided, self-employed and happy, nestled in a wonderful small-town community away from bustling New York.
Evelyn was a very happy, loving and doting mother and wife—the best of the best! Elegant and graceful like her favorite animal in Africa, the giraffe, she “dared to be different”! Eve was an avid knitter, crossword puzzle expert and tenacious reader. A history fanatic, she had a photographic memory.
Words can’t describe this loss. Hearts are deeply saddened, and the sadness will never leave. “Mum” was just plain “awesome” and will be sorely missed. Albeit, she will also always be loved. Evelyn J. Hatfield loved her family, her friends, her community and being a U.S. Citizen. She will be looking down on all with that wide beautiful smile.
She is survived by her son, Adam; sister Christine; and grandchildren Cecelia, Ryan and Glen. She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick; and her daughter, Heather.
Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Jimmy Fund through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to http://www.finnertyandstevens.com.
