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Evelyn Marion (Nikischer) Punzelt passed away Nov. 17 after a short illness and a long, well-lived life. She was the daughter of the late Stephen and Emma (Hood) Nikischer, and loving wife of the late Philip M. Punzelt, Jr. She leaves her sister, Lillian M. Johnson, La Mirada, California, her son Dirk, two sisters-in-law, six nieces, and one nephew, plus extended family and beloved friends.

Born in Manhattan Jan. 8, 1921, she moved to Westport in the late 1930s and graduated from Staples High in 1940, where she was one of the first women to join the Staples rifle team. After Philip returned from WWII, Evelyn and Philip were married in Manhattan on June 1, 1946, at the Church of the Transfiguration, “the Little Church around the Corner.”

From 1946 to 1948 Evelyn and Philip lived in Miami, Florida. They relocated to Norwalk and in 1953 returned to Westport to establish their home of 32 years, where they raised their son. They were active members of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church until their move to Essex in 1985.

As a child, Evelyn enjoyed learning ballet, which led to a lifelong interest in various forms of dance. Evelyn loved to travel and she and her husband began exploring the United States and Europe for a few weeks each summer. She became a devotee of Scottish dancing, hosting a member of a bagpipe group from Edinburgh, Scotland, and forming a lifelong friendship with the Frasier family. Evelyn was a very caring person, ready to help in any situation. She was an inspiration to everyone who came to know her.

A Funeral Service will be held Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3 Cross St., Essex. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory of Evelyn, or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.