ROCKLAND — Evelyn Ruth Ames Van Dyne, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Rockland, Maine, on July 11, 2026. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice "Gram Bea" Ames and Crosby Berry “Crob” Ames; her mother-in-law, Clarida Van Dyne; father-in-law, Garfield Van Dyne; her sister, Norma Ames, and brother-in-law, Gilbert Ames; her brother, David Underwood; and her daughter-in-law, Carol Beth Van Dyne.

Evelyn was also pre-deceased by her very dear friend Maxwell Ames, and his children Marina Ames and Marshall Ames. Max and his wife, Elaine, were instrumental in keeping Evelyn and her children warm and fed when Garry was forced to leave the island for over a year to undergo and recover from brain surgery.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Garry Van Dyne; her sister-in-law, Charlotte Van Dyne Tukey and her husband Ralph Beckwith; her son, Jeremy Van Dyne, together with Emily Dillon; her daughter, Jody Landrith, together with Glenn Brooks; and her beloved grandchildren, Emma Bea Van Dyne, Maxwell Garry Van Dyne, and Marina Gabrielle Landrith. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Paul Tukey and wife Katie, Randy Boardway, Jill Tukey O’Brien together with Steve Clark, Lynn Bauchinger and husband Wolfgang, and Susan Ames Manzo and her husband John, and their families.

Evelyn had a wonderful childhood growing up on Matinicus Island, and left to attend high school at Higgins Classical Institute in Charleston, Maine. There she met her soon to be husband, Garry Van Dyne, and they moved back out to Matinicus to start their family.

After raising Jeremy and Jody, they left to live on the mainland so their children could attend high school in Rockland, as the island school only went up to eighth grade. They stayed on the mainland until her death.

Nothing made Evelyn prouder than her children. She often spoke of her son, Jeremy, with unmistakable pride, saying simply, "I love my son. He's a good man, and he's so handsome." Their bond was one of quiet understanding, and everyone knew how deeply he loved his mama. He had to call her every day when he came in from haul. She didn't care how many lobsters he caught, she just wanted to know he was safe, and happy.

She was equally proud of her daughter, Jody, whose strength, kindness, and resilience reflected so much of Evelyn herself. "My beautiful daughter. I love her so much. I’m so proud of the mother she is to Marina."

One of her favorite things was Jeremy's lobster boat, the Queen B. She loved hearing the stories that came home with every trip. Like so many island families, the sea wasn't just a livelihood; it was part of who they were. Their daily calls kept her connected to her island home.

Evelyn had a remarkable gift for making people feel heard. She listened, offered a shoulder, and always made time for anyone who needed an ear. People knew they could come to Evelyn for comfort, honest advice, or simply someone to sit with them through life's difficult moments.

To Evelyn, family wasn't defined by blood alone. She also leaves behind many cousins, dear friends, and extended family members whose lives were enriched by her strength, and unconditional love. If she loved you, you were family, and once you were family, you belonged forever.

Evie’s gathering” will be on August 22, at 2 p.m., at 47 Punkin Hill Road, South Thomaston, ME 04858, with an “Island Memorial” on September 6, 2026 on Matinicus Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society, 25 Buttermilk Ln, Thomaston, ME 04861.