OLD TOWN – Evelyn Mary (King) Vinson, 90, passed away May 5, 2011, surrounded by her family at a health care facility in Orono. She was born Dec. 26, 1920, the daughter of Henry and Laura (Cyr) King.
During World War II Evelyn was employed at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass., assembling M1 Garand Rifles, where the first automatic rifle was produced after being invented by Mr. John C. Garand.
Evelyn was very proud of her work there and also of having had the opportunity to shake hands with President Roosevelt. She was later employed by the University of Maine, Orono, as a housekeeper. Evelyn was also a member of Holy Family Parish, Old Town.
Evelyn is survived by two daughters, Mary Vandi and her husband, Dennis, of Gray and Elizabeth Wright and her husband, Francis, of Hudson; two sons, Dorian Vinson and his wife, Kathy, of Milford and Donald Vinson and his wife, Julie, of Old Town; and one stepson, Bruce Vinson and his wife, Judy, of Old Town. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, whom she loved very much, Patrick Wright and his wife, Renee, of Hudson, Daniel Wright of Hudson, Amanda Wright of Las Vegas, Dennis Scott Vandi of Derry, N.H., Ashley Vinson of Old Town and Brittney Vinson of Old Town; four special stepgrandchildren, Doug Vinson of Old Town, Kevin Vinson of Corinth, Jamie Treworgy of Boston and Heidi Lucas of Milford; one great-stepgranddaughter, Nadia Davis; a great-grandson, Colton Dorian Vinson, expected in July 2011; sister, Gloria (King) Parks of Old Town, who will miss her greatly; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Donovan “Vince” Vinson; four sisters, Yvonne (King) Lagasse, Theresa (King) Emerson, Mildred (King) Baillargeon and her special sister, Lorena (King) Scofield; and four brothers, Maurice, Joseph, Robert and Edward King. The family thanks all the staff at Orono Commons for the loving and compassionate care they gave to Evelyn.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation 1-2 p.m. Monday, May 9, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a memorial service will be held 2 p.m. After the service the burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Old Town. Notes of condolences may be left at
www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.