KNOX — Evelyn Waterman, 90, of Knox, died peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Gray Birch Long Term Care in Augusta. She spent her final weeks being pampered by family members, friends, and the devoted staff at Maine General Hospital and Gray Birch Long Term Care.

She was born August 11, 1935 to Percy K. Buzzell and Ruth (Oxton) Buzzell in Lincolnville, Maine, though she enjoyed telling people that her birth certificate said Camden. She lived in Monroe until she married Robert Cookson on December 25, 1953. As an Air Force wife, she lived in Wyoming, Texas, California, and Bermuda. They had four children Dale, Gene, Terry, and Randy. They divorced in 1970.

In 1970, she was introduced to Jim Waterman by her youngest sister. The introduction was, “There he is, that’s him!” They got married on Jim’s birthday, January 10, 1971. He told people that it was his best birthday present. She called him “my darling man.” They had one child, James.

Evelyn was predeceased by her brothers, Robert Buzzell of Fairfield, Maine, and Richard Buzzell of Windsor, Ontario, and by her son Gene “Geno” Cookson of Eliot, Maine, who died on January 10, 2012.

She is survived by her sisters Edna (Buzzell) Vaughan of Stockton Springs, Maine, Margaret (Buzzell) Cunningham of Brewer, Maine, and Christina (Buzzell) Maroon of Tamarac, Florida; her sons Dale Cookson of Belfast, Maine, Randy Cookson of Hiram, Maine, and James Waterman of Knox, Maine; her daughter, Terry (Cookson) Cairn of Windsor, Maine; eight grandchildren, including Debra Cookson-McCauley of Searsport and Sean Cookson of Searsport, Maine who were by her side in her final days; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews including Nicole (Poulin) Crowell of Winslow who brought such comfort and love to Evelyn.

Anyone who knew Evelyn knew that she loved animals. As a teenager, she walked home carrying and petting a wild skunk. She always surrounded herself with cats, dogs, chickens, and various furry friends. She often said that if she ever won the lottery, she would start an animal shelter. She never did win the lottery, so she contented herself with feeding, naming, and befriending the feral cats who found their way to her house.

A memorial gathering will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Evelyn’s name can be made to the animal shelter of your choosing.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.