Evelyn Briere

March 16, 1925 - November 27, 2019

Evelyn Priscilla Yates Briere entered into eternal life on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. She was born in Syracuse, NY March 16, 1925 to parents Junius and Anna (Lahner) Yates. She lived most of her life in New Britain, CT and attended local schools. In high school, she met Donald E Briere (deceased) and they were married January 31, 1945 in Monticello, AR. where he was stationed in the Navy. Their home in New Britain was filled with seven children (five boys, two girls) and several dogs. Evelyn’s love of flowers and plants meant gardens were always part of the home, inside and out. The family attended St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where Evelyn served on many committees. A Sunday School teacher, she became a consultant in Christian Education and in Parish Development in the Diocese of CT. Retiring in 1987 as secretary of the late Bishop Hastings. Over the years, she had touched the lives of over 80 parishes through consultations and teachings. The Church had truly nurtured her and inspired her faith throughout her life and she knew she was blessed with family and friends. Being a Pieces, Evelyn loved the water and her younger years were spent vacationing at the St. Lawrence River, trips to beaches in Connecticut, and anywhere she could collect seashells, special stones, searching out four leaf clovers or see the beauty of butterflies – these were her joys. She was fortunate to spend some winter months in Florida and also traveled the U.S., Canada, Alaska, Germany, Scotland, England, Greece, Turkey, and fulfilled her dream of going to Jerusalem. After celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary in January 1997, Don died unexpectedly. His loving presence, music and humor were greatly missed but he left many happy memories. A mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she leaves her children, David Briere; South China, ME, Betty Carlone and her husband Joe; Port St. Lucie, FL, Donald (Bud) E Briere, Jr and his wife Nancy; East Hampton, CT, Robert J. Briere and his wife Susan; East Hampton, CT, Steven Briere and his husband Gerry; Port St. Lucie, FL, Suzanne Strattner and her husband James; Whitinghame, VT, Christopher Briere and his wife Tricia; Southbridge, MA, her grandchildren Jacqueline Murphy, David Briere, Jr (deceased) Amy Carlone Cote, Joseph Carlone, Jr (Emily), Timothy Carlone (Kasia), Kimberley Carlone (Laura), Robert Briere (Missy), Jessica Scarpa (Joe), Donald Briere III (Carrie Ellen), Sarah (Luella) Nowak (Keith), Emily Sampson (Conal), Katie Briere, Andrew Briere (Jamie), Olivia Briere, Corey Wadle, Gerry Wadle, and her 22 great grandchildren, Zachary Hart, Merlin and Eli Murphy, Dana, Erin, Robin and Ryan Cote, Summer Chaponis, Ava, Joey and Nicholas Carlone, Jimmy and Michael Carlone, Riley and Max Carlone, Nicholas and James Briere, Hannah Briere, Walker and Ayla Briere, Alden Nowak and Wyatt Sampson. Funeral services will be private and burial will be in West Lane Cemetery at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Masonicare Hospice, 45 Clara Drive, Mystic, CT 06355 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com