Evelyn Christina Van Blarcum

September 24, 1936 – August 7, 2025

Evelyn Christina Van Blarcum, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born and raised in Irvington, New Jersey, on September 24, 1936, Evelyn grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and the simple joys of life.

A proud graduate of Irvington High School, Evelyn began her career at the Irvington Public Library while still in school, continuing there until she married the love of her life, Herbert Edward Van Blarcum, in 1957. The young couple began their married life in Newark, later moving to South Plainfield in 1960. By 1965, with a growing family, they settled in Warren, New Jersey, where Evelyn would make her home for the rest of her life.

Evelyn’s love for books and learning was the thread that wove through much of her life. In the early 1980s, she began volunteering in the Warren Public School libraries and was soon offered a position at the Warren Township Public Library. At the reference desk, Evelyn became a trusted resource and a friendly face for countless patrons. Her dedication and kindness earned her the admiration of co-workers and the community alike. Over the course of more than 25 years, she touched many lives before her retirement. Even then, she continued to volunteer faithfully until 2022.

A devoted member of Mt. Horeb Methodist Church since 1965, Evelyn found joy and purpose in service. She taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, organized church bazaars, prepared countless church dinners, and lent her time and energy to rummage sales and other events that strengthened the church community she loved so dearly.

Evelyn’s life was enriched by the many hobbies and passions she embraced. She delighted in cooking and hosting family gatherings, where her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her signature dishes. She was a constant presence at her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities, from sports games to band concerts, theater performances to scouting events. She loved strolling the boardwalks at the Jersey Shore, watching wildlife in her own backyard including birds, deer, foxes, turkeys, and even the occasional bear, and curling up with a good book.

Above all, Evelyn will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, in 2005, her son, David, in 2007, and her daughter’s husband, Alan Gutwillig, in 1996. She was also preceded by her siblings Dorothy Kuebler, Eleanor Halberts, and Joan Dreher.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory:

Her children, Linda A. Nelson and her husband Art, Donna Van Blarcum, Susan Gutwillig, and Karen Van Blarcum, along with her daughter-in-law Linda F. Van Blarcum and her partner Ron Heim.

Her grandchildren, Jennifer Cartelli and her husband Michael, Christopher Van Blarcum and his wife Anna Marie, Kara Hendrick and her husband Scott, Lauren Van Blarcum and her partner Nic Unzicker, Rebecca Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson and her partner Andrew Burgos, Matthew Gutwillig, Delaney Gutwillig and her partner Bill Vassilakis, Megan Gutwillig-Burgess and her husband Patrick, and Jon Morgan Van Blarcum and his partner Catherine Lewis.

Her great-grandchildren, Bennett, Katherine, Alexandra, Eliana, Andrew, Cosmo, and Mira, who were the lights of her life.

Evelyn’s life was a testament to the quiet strength of kindness, the joy of giving, and the legacy of love that endures through generations. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her warm heart, unwavering kindness, and the beautiful smile that lit up every room she entered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Friends of the Warren Township Public Library, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A private family and church family funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 14, at 11:00 am at Mt Horeb United Methodist Church, followed by an interment at Mt Horeb United Methodist Church Cemetery.