Evelyn J. Hatfield, 77

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Evelyn J. Hatfield, 77, of Sheffield, Mass., heartbreakingly passed away after a second courageous battle with cancer. She left us peacefully Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at her home of 41 years. Thankfully, she was constantly surrounded by loving family and friends whom she in turn loved so much.  

Eve was born January 22, 1941, in Hong Kong, China. Her parents, Sterling and Heather Tomlinson, soon faced the unthinkable: prisoners of war by the Japanese from December 8, 1941, thru August 1945. Evelyn and her parents persevered and remained "unbroken" until an American Tank Division rumbled into camp ... and gave little Evelyn her first chocolate bar!

They immediately returned to a war-ravaged England. After regrouping, Dr. Tomlinson was sent to Zambia, Africa, to work as a physician for the British government. Eve and her mother soon followed.  Yes, this is where Evelyn spent her childhood. Traveling 1,300 miles by train, past Victoria Falls, to attend a prestigious private school in Johannesburg, South Africa, returning for summer break every year by herself via train … very brave!

After Evelyn graduated, she spent time traveling, and ended up in Westchester, N.Y. Evelyn then met the love of her life, Frederick A. Hatfield, and they soon married in September 1965. Not long afterward Adam and Heather were born. The Hatfield family made the move to Sheffield, Mass., in 1976, where they resided self-employed and happy, nestled in a wonderful small-town community, away from bustling New York.

Evelyn was a very happy, loving and doting mother and wife, the best of the best, Elegant and graceful, like her favorite animal in Africa, the giraffe, she dared to be different. Eve was an avid knitter, crossword puzzle expert and tenacious reader.  A history fanatic, she had a photographic memory.  

She is survived by her son Adam; sister Christine; and her grandchildren, Cecelia, Ryan and Glen.

She was predeceased by her husband Frederick and her daughter Heather.

Words can't describe this loss. Our hearts are deeply saddened; I know the sadness will never leave my heart. "Mum" was just plain awesome and will be sorely missed and will always be loved. Evelyn J. Hatfield loved her family, her friends, her community and being a U.S. citizen.  I know she will be looking down on all of us with that wide beautiful smile.  

Funeral notice: Donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Jimmy Fund through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.