Obituary of Martha Ann Evans (Nee Hurlbert)

Martha Ann Evans (nee Hurlbert) of Davenport, Florida died peacefully at home on March 21, 2024 at the age of 83. 

Martha was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida by her parents Opal Guynn Hurlbert and George Hanford Hurlbert. She was a proud member of the Rainbow Girls in her youth. She attended the University of Florida from which she graduated in 1962. She was an excellent student, and served as President of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, among other activities. 

Martha taught elementary school in Florida briefly, when she met her first husband Robert O’Connell, in 1963 and travelled the world as his career as an officer in the U.S. Navy took them to many ports of call. They married in July 1964, moved to Massachusetts and had three children. Martha earned a degree in nursing from the University of Lowell and worked as a psychiatric nurse for many years. 

In 1989, she married Gary Evans. They shared a love for sailing and travel. In 2010 they moved to Davenport, Florida where Martha enjoyed happy hour at the Club, Sunday church services, and all of the wonderful neighbors who brought happiness to her life. 

Martha was an amazing cook and baker, and collected hundreds of recipes over the years. Her grandson described her as a “top notch cookie maker.” She loved baking with her grandchildren when they were small and instilled a love of a good chocolate chip cookies in each of them.  She was also an avid reader, gardener and crafter. 

Beloved by friends, neighbors and family, Martha will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband Gary, her children Beth (O’Connell Bellone), Karen (O’Connell) and her husband Thomas Por, Stephen (O’Connell), stepchildren Christine (Evans) and John (Evans) and her six grandchildren Luke Bellone, Sophia Bellone, Charlie Por, Nicholas Por, Teagan O’Connell, and Nat Evans as well as her brother Sam Hurlbert, his wife Barbara, and their children Jason and Bart. 

A private memorial service will be held at a future time. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.  

“And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.”  --Kahlil Gibran