Shenandoah Magazine Spring 2013 | Page 46

Shenandoah Mourns

Legend the Loss of a

By Jane Danchisen Pittman ’ 89
Shenandoah University and Winchester have lost a legend — our beloved Eugenia “ Genie ” Evans , who passed away Christmas Day at age 103 .
Genie taught piano for an unbelievable 87 years . At age 15 , she was the youngest student admitted to the prestigious Prague Conservatory . She began her professional career as a concert pianist and teacher .
Although her family and piano were her passion , Genie had many interests and lived a remarkable life . She and her mother fled Europe on the last refugee ship for America in 1940 . She was an artist who created beautiful floral and landscape paintings for her friends . Genie was a proud Democrat and was overjoyed to meet Senator Hillary Clinton during her campaign for president . She loved her family and late husband , Rudy , with all her heart . She was a mentor , friend , mother and confidant to her former students , who described her as “ an inspiration ” and “ very much loved .”
Genie ’ s career at Shenandoah spanned nearly 40 years from 1963 to 2001 . She enjoyed a huge circle of friends that extended to France , Germany and Thailand . In tribute to their former piano professor , several of her students shared their great affection and deep gratitude for this inspirational mentor and friend .
“ I fondly share many of Mrs . Evans ’ stories with my students in an effort to cultivate in them a love of beautiful music and a passion for excellence ,” said Marie Gelsinger Miller ’ 81 . “ Her gentle approach , coupled with high expectations and sound educational practices , has guided my work throughout the years . I am grateful to pass her legacy on to my students .”
Cay Carner ’ 81 said , “ I flatter myself to think that when people look at me , they see a piece of Genie Evans . She was my teacher , mentor and friend .”
“ I remember Mrs . Evans driving her pink car — one of a kind in Winchester ,” reminisced Gail Longo Tanguay ’ 68 . “ She was the original Rachel Ray in the kitchen and made fabulous fried chicken . Everyone loved her — even the students she didn ’ t teach . She always had a warm smile for everybody . She gave me a life of music . She had such a love of teaching and a joy for life that I will never forget . She was truly a mother and a mentor to me . I owe her my career in teaching .”
“ Mrs . Evans was a legend ,” said Marsha Blosser Barley ’ 77 . “ We , her former students , are who we are today , partly because of her influence , love , guidance and expertise .”
“ Mrs . Evans had an immense knowledge of repertoire and knew exactly how to match pieces to a student ’ s individual tastes and abilities ,” explained Yongsook Kim Baber ’ 88 . “ Once she saw a student ’ s potential , she gave them her full support . She liked to celebrate the musical accomplishments of her students . It was not unusual for Mrs . Evans to celebrate with her students at her favorite restaurant or at home in her kitchen . Looking back , the encouragement from Mrs . Evans inspired me to continue my piano studies .”
To read more about the life of Eugenia Evans , go to www . evansobituary . com .
Eugenia Evans met Senator Hillary Clinton during her campaign for president .
" In a word , Genie was awesome ,” said Judy Large ’ 76 . “ Besides her obvious talent as an extraordinary pianist and teacher , I was always amazed by how deeply she cared for each of her students , giving all of herself to nurturing them both as musicians and as people . For me , she was a guiding force , a role model , a true mentor and a dear friend . The opportunity to study with her for four years at Shenandoah was a privilege beyond measure ."
Finally , Dr . Welsey A . Ball ’ 73 said , “ Studying with Eugenia Evans involved studying life as well as the piano . To this day , I am keenly aware of the rich human values I absorbed from this great woman . Her lyrical approach to the keyboard remains a major characteristic in my own piano playing . Her touch at the piano , as well as her capacity to touch the hearts of her students , made this world a more beautiful place .”