Obituary of Evelyn Marion Rau

Evelyn Marion (Lewis) Rau, 87, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2010 at Overlook Hospital. Evelyn was born in Somerville to Charles and Gladys Lewis. She grew up in North Plainfield where she enjoyed playing varsity basketball, participating in the Rainbow Girls and also worked to help support her family during the depression years. For many years she worked on the reunion committee for North Plainfield High School, including their 62nd reunion held in 2003! In 1946 she met the love of her life, Robert Rau who had recently returned from service in World War II on the Queen Mary. They got engaged on a friend's porch at the corner of Bonnie Burn & New Providence Roads in New Providence, married on February 8, 1947 at Watchung Presbyterian Church and spent their married life living in the home built by Bob's parents in Fanwood. They enjoyed spending summers in Ocean Beach and Mantoloking, and raising their four children, Robert Jr, John, Rick and Deb. Evelyn was active in playing ladies softball, coaching for the Girls Athletic League and was an avid bowling. A very talented craftsperson, Evelyn loved making ceramics and sewing for her family and was most proud of making her daughter's wedding dress. She was a lifetime honorary member of the Fanwood Fire Company and a member of Fanwood Presbyterian Church. In recent years she loved spending time with her grandchildren, reading and playing cards and Mahjong with friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bob Robert in 1989 and brother Gilbert Lewis in 1994. She is survived by her sons Bob and wife Diane of Warren, John and wife Kathy of Mays Landing, Richard and wife Eve of Ventnor, daughter Deborah Ann (Rau) Kinder and husband Frank of Watchung, grandchildren Justin, Tyler and Carson Rau of Ventnor and Gwendlyn and William Kinder of Watchung, brother Charles Lewis of Virginia and many devoted nieces and nephews. A memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, January 22nd from 2-4 and 7-9 at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung. . Cremation will be private. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations in Evelyn's memory may be made to the Fanwood Rescue Squad, 123 Watson Road, Fanwood, NJ.