Morgan Hill – The community lost an active, caring volunteer when Evelyn Lemberger, 93, died Saturday.
Anthony Perez remembers his grandmother for many things, but her work with senior citizens, when she herself was a senior, stands out on his mind.
“She became a crusader in all causes, senior,” he said.
Lemberger had 11 children, 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She died after a brief battle with cancer, Perez said.
Cindy McCowen, a senior director of the Second Harvest food bank, worked with Lemberger for more than 20 years. She said that what always impressed her about Lemberger was her consistency and her commitment.
“Nothing really frazzled her,” she said. “In talking about her, we identified that she was one of four volunteers that have contributed over 30 years with the organization. She was always so very upbeat, a pleasure to know and to be around. What I always took away from knowing her was that she had such a rich life, so full of family and friends. And she always appreciated what she had.”
Former City Councilwoman Hedy Chang said she was impressed with the way Lemberger lived her life.
“She always came in (to the Senior Center) with a smile, and she did everything,” Chang said. “When you wanted something done, everyone said, ‘Go talk to Evelyn.’ I came to realize what a special person she was. It’s almost like, if there’s anyone who’s going to become an angel, she is. If I ever make it to Heaven, I expect to see her there.”
Lemberger not only volunteered her time at the Senior Center and the food bank, but also worked elections, heading up a polling place until the last election, according to Perez. She also sang with “Happy Sounds,” a group of retired women who performed at community events and convalescent homes.
She was inducted into the Santa Clara County Senior Hall of Fame in the 1990’s and was named Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Woman of the Year in 2001.
