Maria Evans

In Memory of Maria C. Evans (née Duran)

Maria C. Evans, affectionately known as “Mary” by her family and friends, was born Maria C. Duran on May 28, 1932, in the Los Angeles area. She was the eldest of four daughters born to Pedro and Isaura Duran. Her sisters—Evangelina, Isabel, and Chimera—met and married their husbands in California, where they established their homes. Mary, however, was the adventurous one. She enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed Basic Training before being stationed at Cheyenne AFB in Wyoming, where she served as a Supply Technician.

Mary was among the first women to serve in the Air Force and is honored at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C. She was also a Korean War veteran, having served between 1950 and 1953.

After completing her first tour of duty in December 1954, she returned to California. But her sense of duty and adventure led her to reenlist. She was then assigned to Laredo AFB in Texas, working in the Aviation Cadet Program. A year later, she accepted a marriage proposal from newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Richard P. Evans—who had proposed once before. Upon their marriage, Maria left the service due to Air Force regulations.

Together, Maria and Richard traveled the world, raising three children: Richard Jr., Cindy, and Ron. During the Vietnam War, Maria often managed the household on her own—even relocating the family from Travis AFB in California to Hickam AFB in Hawaii by herself. She was an extraordinary woman.

Their assignments also took the family to New York, Illinois, and Washington. Throughout, Maria cared for her children and husband while volunteering with the Red Cross. She also worked as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and as a Stephen Minister at the Western Washington Correctional Facility for Women.

As life settled down, Maria managed the Evans family home in Gig Harbor, Washington. On January 20, 2020, her beloved husband Richard passed away, leaving Maria heartbroken. Following his passing, she relocated to Waukee, Iowa, to live with her youngest son, Ron. She spent a couple of years in a Senior Village, where she was warmly loved and accepted. As signs of dementia appeared, Ron moved her to an assisted living apartment, where she continued to thrive, supported by his care and regular visits from her children, Cindy and Richard Jr.

In June 2025, Ron called his siblings to Iowa, giving them the chance to say goodbye and share one final hug. Maria’s sister Isabel and her daughter, Mary, represented the California family. At approximately 4:00 AM on June 25, 2025, Maria passed away peacefully, reunited at last with her beloved husband.

A memorial service to celebrate Maria’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Maria Evans will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.