Obituary of Evelyn Shaiko

Evelyn Downs-Shaiko of Vineland, NJ passed away on March 7th, 2016 at the age of 85. She died peacefully at her home. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Evelyn was a 1948 graduate of Vineland High School, and was employed by Sears Roebuck for many years. Evelyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Evelyn enjoyed gardening. Her green thumb could make anything grow and bloom. She spent many hours in her greenhouse nursing small buds into beautiful flowers for her home and yard. Evelyn's family and the wildlife that surrounded her house had the pleasure of enjoying her creations. Evelyn had many additional hobbies including music, coin collecting and going to antique auctions. She was a willing traveler and took many trips with her beloved husband, Jim. Evelyn was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Society. She was a Girl Scout Brownie leader and Sunday school teacher for numerous years. One of her favorite things to do was to cook for her family and friends. She took great delight in her grandchildren and family, and took tremendous pride in making everyone feel special and loved. Evelyn was a beautiful person inside and out and will be greatly missed by all. Evelyn was the daughter of the late Kathryn Casazza and Ursel Downs. She is predeceased by her husband, James Shaiko, in 2009. She so missed her husband Jim. They were married for 59 years, but are eternal soulmates. Evelyn is survived by her brother, Steven Downs, sister, Dorothy DePalma, and children, Sandra Coccaro Shaiko and Ronald Shaiko. She has four granddaughters, Kasie Coccaro, Ashley Shaiko-Olsen, Jessie Coccaro-Hooper and Samantha Shaiko. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:30pm at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. Evelyn will be laid to rest at Siloam Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 700 East Landis Ave. Vineland, NJ 08360.