Evelyn L. Towle

Evelyn LaVerne Towle
July 23rd, 1936 – January 10th, 2023


Evelyn LaVerne Towle, 86, passed away in Tracy, California on January 10th, 2023.

Evelyn was born on July 23, 1936 in San Francisco, the city which she loved all of her life.  She was named Evelyn after her Mother's young Sister who died very young. Her middle name was a variation of her maternal Grandmother's name, Verne.

Evelyn attended Taylor Elementary School, Portola Junior High School and Immaculate Conception Academy High School, all of which were in San Francisco. She made friends easily and was loved by those who remained in touch for many years.  She was also a "match maker" extraordinaire having brought together FIVE couples, three of which were married in 1954 on the same day and at the same church – they all remained married always.  Her best friend of 70+ years, Jeannie Griggi, will be celebrating 69 years with her husband Bob this coming June.

She married young to Norman Jacobs and was blessed with two Sons, Barry and Neal.  When the boys were still very young, she became a single Mother.  Fortunately, she had the support of her mother Betty in caring for the children while she worked.  Her sister Nancy also helped care for the young boys and loved having them around - most of the time - and thought of them more as "brothers" than nephews. 

In 1968, Evelyn married Bob Towle - the love of her life.

Evelyn held a variety of office jobs, and once was hired because she knew how to operate a stick-shift and drive a truck. While the job didn't require those skills, it really impressed the guy who offered her the job.  Her career path took her into the "construction" industry which she enjoyed more than anything.  She often worked in trailers on "job sites".  Her "admin" skills were impressive and she learned quickly.  As her opportunities grew, her natural elegance and high intellect took her more into the corporate world.  She was a true asset in fit, form and function. Her wardrobe became the "classic" look of pencil skirts, silk blouses, blazers, the ever-present high-heels and small gold hoop earrings.  She dressed for success and it came to her.   She became a highly regarded "go to" person on high profile jobs, such as Levi Plaza and the beginning of home building in Portola Valley. Evelyn concluded her professional career as Controller for RFJ Meiswinkel Company – where she was treated like family.

She appreciated the beautiful things in life and enjoyed furnishings of high quality and good fabric, along with various accessories – Evelyn had great taste. She enjoyed setting a welcoming table and filling it with excellent home-cooked food, good wine and the best Manhattan ever.  Her culinary skills were extraordinary.

Over the years, Evelyn resided in San Francisco, Marin County, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Tuolumne County and San Joaquin County.  She was her very happiest while living in Twain Harte with her soul-mate, Bob, and her boys.  In the earlier days of their marriage, she and Bob lived in Daly City, but once they discovered Twain Harte they couldn't wait to make it their home.  All the family and friends loved to visit there and we had the greatest of times, making many happy memories.  Bob and Evelyn’s weekend breakfasts at the cabin were legendary. Evelyn laughed more in Twain Harte than any other place.

Evelyn was a kind, caring and giving woman.  If she knew of a need, she would find a way to help.  In particular, she made sure that no one in her family was overlooked.  It was important to her to talk about family, remember those who had gone before, and particularly to honor their struggles and their triumphs.  She had great depth of feeling. In the past few years she spent a lot of time encouraging us to look into our Ancestry.  She wanted to know more about where we came from and how folks ended up in California.  Family was THE MOST important element in her life. 

Among the things which she enjoyed most were her Miniature Schnauzer companions Katie and Annie, cooking and family gatherings, sun bathing, reading, knitting, water skiing (even though she couldn't swim), photography, music, house plants, clothing, potato chips, peanut brittle, Toto’s pizza, See's candies, fresh crab from Fisherman’s Wharf and ravioli from Lucca Deli.  Shopping was one of Evelyn’s favorite activities, she just loved to throw on a pair of Nikes and head to Stonestown, The Emporium, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom. As her vision diminished, and her driving came to an end, she became an online shopping whiz and was a big fan of Amazon and Raley’s home delivery.

Evelyn is survived by her son Barry (Darlene) Jacobs of Twain Harte; sister Nancy (Nick) Leras of San Jose; stepson Mike (Carole) Towle of Redwood City; grandchildren Lauren Jacobs of Soulsbyville, Chris Jacobs of Tracy, Robby (Chrissy) Towle of San Francisco, and Michelle (Joe) Cammarata of San Francisco; Sister-in-law Linda Schoenberger of Manteca; and numerous cousins and close friends.

She is joyfully re-united with her soulmate Bob, beloved son Neal, her cherished granddaughter Jessica, little brother Larry and all the other family members who have entered into the presence of our loving God.  Now, she will finally get to ask all those questions that her inquiring mind wanted answers for. 

Those of us remaining here will honor her memory in a variety of ways.  A memorial will come when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom.

Well-lived, good and faithful servant!

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