Evelyn Catherine Kovacs (nee Hollasch), eighty-seven of Glen Ridge, NJ reunited in heaven with her husband, best friend, and love of her life on June 20,2026. Evelyn’s sweet, thoughtful, determined, and meticulous nature will forever remain in the hearts of the lives she touched: her only daughter Cathy Kovacs, her two beautiful granddaughters Mikayla Flynn and Juliana Flynn, extended family, and cherished friendships she nurtured throughout her formative years, professional career, community involvement, and her much loved social groups.

Born September 16,1938 to Gustave Hollasch and Theresa (Klein) Hollasch, Evelyn and her brother, Raymond, who predeceased her, spent much of their childhood near extended family. Evelyn learned the value of showing up for others with a full heart and being there for the people you love. Evelyn excelled at a variety of athletic endeavors throughout high school, earning her the superlative of most athletic. Little did Evelyn realize that her training in secretarial shorthand would later serve as her “secret code” for writing her family Christmas gift lists. A code her curious young daughter struggled to crack. The friendships Evelyn cultivated became family friends. Together with the spouses and children, Evelyn and her friends would share vacations and countless social activities. As a young single woman, Evelyn accompanied her dear friend on a cross-country adventure – something that would begin her love of travel and exploration.

Evelyn would eventually meet her sweetheart and soulmate, Ed at a bowling meeting for the Catholic Singles Club of Union County in 1963. Before their moment of serendipity, Evelyn prayed for the soldiers in Korea, intuitively knowing there was a special soldier overseas. Fate would later introduce her to her Korean War veteran Ed. The two would marry in 1965, building a life together based on friendship, love, and a strong Catholic faith.

Evelyn stepped away from her professional career to raise her daughter as well as care for her aging parents. She began putting much of her energy into community service roles before re-entering the work force. Upon her retirement, she embarked on her most significant and rewarding role – that of beloved grandma and regular daycare provider. She and Ed were integral in the upbringing of their granddaughters. Evelyn loved the simple pleasures of being a grandma – baking cookies together, feeding the ducks at the local park and letting the girls pick out a treat for the family dog at the pet store. She cherished every moment with her granddaughters.

Evelyn and Ed enjoyed so much of life together - traveling to 40 U.S. states and twelve countries, hosting BBQs, regular morning swims at the Boys and Girls Club, bowling leagues, card games with friends, puzzles, and participating in social groups. Evelyn enjoyed the sense of community involvement that came through her volunteer efforts. She and Ed were recognized for their outstanding volunteerism.

Evelyn expressed her gentle generosity and kindness in small ways – sending thoughtful cards of remembrance, making a phone calls just to say hello, helping others out in some small way. Her presence and willingness to just show up and help – a spirit that came from her heart is what made her so impactful in the lives of others. Whether it was driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, setting up for a fundraiser or community event, attending someone’s sporting event or performance, or just inviting someone over for coffee - she had a unique way of turning acquaintances into friends through the years.

To her daughter and granddaughters – Evelyn was, is and always will be - love – a consistent, present, encouraging, faithful, and enduring love. Evelyn’s warm smile and quiet presence will be deeply missed. She is now reunited with her sweet husband, Ed and her love will forever live in our hearts. A memorial mass and an intimate celebration of life is being planned for a later date. God Bless you Mom, Grams, and Evelyn – until we meet again. Love you.