Evelyn Fritchman
Evelyn Fritchman
Evelyn Mildred (Kalababa) Fritchman graced this world on May 30, 1928 in International Falls Minnesota to Alice and Gust Kalababa. Evelyn passed away May 29, 2024 just a day before her 96th birthday.
At age 13 the family moved to Kirkland, Washington. There, her dad Gust, opened a wood cabinet shop downtown on Lake Washington. At this time Evelyn would attend Kirkland Jr High and Lake Washington Senior High School graduating in 1946.
That same year she went to work for C & E at the Fort Lawton Army Base in Seattle where she met the love of her life, Howard Fritchman. They fast became an item after Howard would playfully tease and flirt with her.
It was true love in the rarest form. Howard would visit Evelyn at her family’s home on 7th west in Kirkland squeezing in as much time with her as possible. So much so that when it was time to head back to the base, he would run as fast as he could when he heard the Kirkland Ferry about to leave for Fort Lawton.
Their love soared into an engagement on Christmas Eve and a beautiful wedding October 25, 1947.
They set up their home in Kirkland and subsequently lived in the area all their years having two children: Gary Fritchman and Sue Tuttle (Terry).
The family would take many road trips sometimes going across country to see family in Springfield, Illinois. Both Howard and Evelyn had a zest for travel. They eventually purchased a cabin in Cle Elum on the Teanaway River. There they would fish, ride dirt bikes and snowmobiles, Evelyn especially loving her 3 wheeler .
Evelyn was extremely talented and creative. She loved to paint with acrylics and watercolor, sew, quilt and garden. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren who called her Mimi.
Tara Johnson (Travis), Lisa Kirk (Bill), Alison Bryant (Nelson), Joe Fritchman (Tiffany), Jeff Fritchman (Sarah).
Mimi was blessed with 8 Great Grandchildren: Keely, William, Delaney, Reagan, Evelyn, Elizabeth, Jude and Wyatt.
Evelyn was a phenomenal wife, mom, grandma, and friend who will be missed very much.
She passed peacefully with her family by her side. A true, complete beautiful soul.
Many thanks to Gena’s Best Care in Kirkland for loving and taking care of our mom for 2 ½ years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard in 2013.
Remembrances may be made to Evergreen Health Hospice Care.
3 Responses to “Evelyn Fritchman”
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Goodbye,Evelyn,
I will always remember you as the stay at home Mom that had a beautiful home filled with your creativity. It was a warm home that was always open to Sue and Gary’s friends. I’ll never forget the day you called me quite hysterical to say Sue had surprise twins! Family was everything to you and you responded with all your love and artistry, as it should be. Your family was luckier than most; you will be missed. 🥰
Sheila B
Evelyn and her sidekick Howard. What a wonderful couple and so nice to be around when you’re just young adults. I remember telling Howard that if he ever dusted off that wallet of his and took Evelyn out to dinner 🍽 that I would rent him my toupee. Some how I got the impression that he didn’t think that was funny. Anyway back to Evelyn. Gary and I were washing our “Show Cars” in the driveway at their home 🏡 by Mark Street and Evelyn came out the back door and told us that we needed to move our cars soon because Howard would soon be home. She said that after we moved our cars to come in because she had just pulled out of the oven some fresh baked cookies. Well, Howard came home and our cars were still in the driveway and he had to park out on the street but we still got to have Evelyn’s fresh baked cookies. Will always remember that time.
My Lovie.. my best friend! How lucky did I get to have this wonderful woman be my Grandma…aka Mimi!? We had so much fun growing up with our Grandparents. Howard was “Baba”. Mimi & Baba took us on trips to the Cle Elum Cabin. My sisters & I would ride in a handmade sleigh with our names on it behind the snowmobiles. We would go on dusty 3 wheeler rides, go to bed with Baba’s famous ghost stories & wake up to yummy pancakes that Mimi would make.
Fast forward to my early adult years & the support was endless. They helped me move to Ellensburg & to watch them drive away was very hard. My buddies!
Mimi & I would talk often. She would send me cute lil notes & I’ve saved every one.
Fast forward to being a new Mom, Mimi was there! My daughter, Keely took her 1st trip with us & them to Palm Springs! So much fun!
We even lived down the street from Mimi & Baba!
Mimi & I would go to concerts together & act like teenagers! The best was when my Mom, Sue & I took Mimi to see Celine Dion in Las Vegas! What a memory for us all! Mimi absolutely loved it!
This was the Grandma I had, this IS the Mimi that I will always have forever in my memories & carry in my heart forever. Rest in Peace, Lovie. I love you MORE!
Tara