Evelyn (Hef) Marguerite Strode Van Orsdel
January 3, 1921 – January 4, 2016
Evelyn was born and raised in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at her home in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek, California the day after her 95th birthday. A fourth generation Honolulu native, Hef attended Lanai School and was a graduate of Punahou School. She went on to graduate from National Park Junior College in Washington DC in 1941. She was a member of Punahou’s championship swim team in her junior and senior years and set school swimming records in college.
Evelyn married Ralph Alexander Van Orsdel, Jr. in St. Alban’s Chapel on the grounds of the National Cathedral, Washington DC, on September 15, 1942. They returned to Hawaii after the war and spent a wonderful life together for the next 65 years. Van and Hef moved to the mainland in 1970 at the request of Van’s employer Amfac, Ltd and they lived contentedly in Orinda, Moraga and Walnut Creek, California through their remaining years.
In Hawaii Evelyn was active with many organizations including: Daughters of Hawaii (Life member), Uluniu Women’s Club, Junior League of Hawaii, Oahu Country Club, The Pacific Club, Queens Hospital volunteer and The Outdoor Circle.
Evelyn and Van raised their family in Manoa Valley and Lanikai Beach and Hef enjoyed the company of friends during bridge nights, golf outings and dinner parties. Van and Hef traveled extensively throughout their lives visiting all continents and some little-known islands, absorbing the cultures of the world and watching for birds.
In California Evelyn was active in organizations such as the Orinda Country Club, Orinda Valley Garden Club, Alta Bates Hospital volunteer, Bedayn/Mitchell Birders, Moraga Country Club, Moraga Women’s Investment Group, and Devonshire Condominium Association’s Landscape Committee Chairwoman. Evelyn and Van were SF Symphony season ticket holders for many years.
As Mom and Tutu, she loved her family and was like a rock in support of her children and extended family. She also passed down the traditions of hula and surfing to future generations. She was poised, gracious and full of grace. Hef didn’t miss a trick and was a wise counselor to Ralph during his career and to her children.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Joseph E. Strode MD and Pauline Elizabeth Marguerite Schaefer of Honolulu and her brother Walter S. Strode, MD (Nancy, Molly) of Honolulu. She is survived by daughters Elizabeth V. Moulds (Steve) of Napa, CA, Catherine H. Martin (Wayne) of Medford, OR, and son Joseph A. Van Orsdel (Sara) of Alameda, CA; beloved Strode nieces and nephews Carol, Poppy, Mardi, Mary, Cay, Michael and David; grandchildren Reed Moulds (Aleena) and Hayden Schmidter (Nick), Tyler and Tia Martin, Catherine and Carly Van Orsdel; and four great grandchildren. Evelyn had a special relationship with her caregivers of many years Ramada, Pauline and Alice. Hef was very proud of the family member’s productivity and ability to do well in the world and well for their families
Evelyn’s children will host a gathering for friends at Evelyn’s home, 1722 Comstock Drive, Walnut Creek Ca. 94595 on Saturday February 20, 2016 from 2-4PM. In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Evelyn Van Orsdel’s favorite charities: The Food Bank of CCC, Meals on Wheels, the local SPCA, Planned Parenthood, Alta Bates Foundation and Punahou School. Or donate to your favorite charity in her honor.