Evelyn Staley Anderson

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share that our mother Evelyn S. (Martin) Anderson (89) of Oakland, NJ, formerly of Long Beach Island, NJ and Punta Gorda, FL passed away on September 14, 2025. Evelyn faced a long and arduous journey with NPH Dementia. She is now peacefully at rest and reunited with her husband of 61 years, Allan R Anderson, Sr.

Evelyn grew up in Lyndhurst, NJ and graduated from Lyndhurst High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Primary Education at Jersey City State College (1957); followed by a Masters in Special Education from Newark State College (1961). She met her long-time sweetheart, Allan, while both were marching in Barringer Walker Drum and Bugle Corp. Evelyn carried on her love for music and taught herself the piano so she could play for and sing with her young kindergarten students.

After returning from a brief deployment at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX where Allan was the base dentist, they moved their young family to Oakland, NJ. Evelyn taught Special Education in the Oakland Public School District. She became particularly active with the Oakland Jaycees for many years, serving on various committees.

Evelyn switched gears, returning to school to earn both her Certified Dental Assistance certificate (1972), Registered Dental Hygienist AAS degree from Bergen Community College (1974) and Dental Hygiene graduate course degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University (1975). She worked for several years as both a dental assistant and hygienist. Evelyn was the consummate student always looking for the next challenge to learn something new. Forever a teacher at heart, she combined both loves and went back into the teaching field to teach young minds Dental Assisting at Bergen County Vocational/Tech High School. Before Evelyn’s retirement, she served as a bed side teacher to students in need and teaching Resource Room students, both at Glen Rock Jr.-Sr. High School.

Evelyn was actively involved in the Oakland community while raising her family. She was a Cheerleader Advisor, Cub Scout Pack Leader, Career Day presenter, Town Health Fair organizer/presenter, and Dental Health Program presenter in the elementary, middle and high schools. She was intimately involved in the dental community as well on the county, state, and national level. Her proudest endeavor was representing her colleagues as the President of the American Dental Assistants Association, traveling the country meeting constituents, forming policies, and lobbying for the good of the dental community.

Evelyn was a skilled seamstress and had a reputation for making her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews elaborate Halloween customs. She was often found backstage at local theaters creating, sewing, and altering costumes. She became quite proficient in calligraphy, making note pads, stationary, and invitations for local businesses. As a hobby, Evelyn became a certified Parliamentarian. One of her greatest joys was presiding at a meeting citing and enforcing Roberts Rule of Parliamentary Order!

Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and spending time with her family, particularly her three children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Her favorite place on earth was enjoying her beach front home on Long Beach Island with her extended family and friends.

Evelyn is survived by her three children Cheryl Martin, Allan Anderson, Jr. and Dawn Anderson along with their families.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Evelyn’s Life at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1 Church Lane, Oakland, NJ on September 28, 2025; time to announced. Please visit The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, Butler, NJ; www.themorrisonfuneralhome.com to view memories of Evelyn’s life and service time updates.