Yvonne Evjen passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born on December 3, 1931 in Seattle, Yvonne grew up on the family farm in Eagledale. She was the eldest daughter of the late Dinko and Milka Chuka, who emigrated to Bainbridge Island from Croatia in 1931. Yvonne was a loving daughter, wife, mother and friend, known for her compassion, kindness and generosity.

After graduating from Bainbridge High School, Yvonne attended Western Washington University before marrying George B. Evjen on June 23, 1956 on Bainbridge Island. They built their home in Poulsbo on 30 acres and raised their children Kenneth and Diana on the farm. Yvonne worked incredibly hard her entire life, commuting from Poulsbo to Seattle daily for about 40 years and then keeping house, cooking and caring for her family. She shared the farm bounty with her Seattle co-workers bringing them eggs, strawberries, raspberries and homemade jams. Every Sunday afternoon for decades she would visit family at the Eagledale farm, where she could be counted on to bring her delicious pies and desserts.

Yvonne was incredibly generous, and she always made sure to find just the right gift for everyone in the extended family. She was a talented baker, prolific reader, and had a powerful intellect. In retirement she enjoyed spending time with family, baking, playing bingo and indulging her love of game shows.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Rod Chuka, and her daughter, Diana Evjen. Yvonne’s memory will live on with her husband of 63 years, George; son, Kenneth; sister, Millie Heeney and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Yvonne was a member of St Olaf Catholic Church.

A memorial service was held and interment took place at Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island. An online memorial can be seen at www.poulsbomortuary.com

Remembrances may be made to Kitsap Humane Society.