Obituary of Evelyn Martha Karpack

Psalm 121:1

I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of Heaven and earth.

Evelyn Martha Karpack departed for “Norway” on January 14, 2022.  She shared over 90 years of love, laughter and selflessness with everyone she met.  Evelyn was truly the Mother of Hibernia, of Rockaway, of Nor-Bu, and of Hibernia Co. #1, FarMor to her loving family, and Mom to all of us.  She was our heart and soul and we will remain forever grateful God shared her with us. 

Friends and relatives may attend her walkthrough visitation on Wednesday, January 19^th from 3-7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville, NJ.  Please wear a mask.  A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 20^th at 10 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866.  Donations in her memory may be made to Nor-Bu Lodge or Holy Trinity Church. 

Evelyn was born in Brooklyn, one of four siblings to bless her parents Einar and Johanne Udland.  She grew up in Union City, and as a young woman she often travelled to Rockaway, where she met Lawrence Karpack.  They fell in love, married, and settled in Hibernia to start a family.  Evelyn knew she always wanted to be a mother, but little did she know she would be blessed with FOUR sons and an entire community who consider her “Mom”.  When her kids were young, she worked at KDM School as a librarian and teacher’s aide.  She loved children, so every day was filled with joy. 

Evelyn retired from KDM in 1981, allowing her more time to dedicate to family and community. She has been active with the Nor-Bu Lodge for over 50 years, it’s truly a second home.  She loved all of her time spent there, including so many wonderful celebrations through the years. She was a folk dancer and served many years as Youth Director for the Nor-Bu 3^rd District. She bowled in the Nor-Bu Bowling League for over 40 years, and bowled as recently as last week.  She loved staying active and being with friends.

She been active with the Hibernia Ladies Auxiliary for over 50 years as well.  She’s been everything to everyone with Hibernia Co.1.  Mrs. K spent countless hours at the firehouse preparing meals, setting up and breaking down parties, fundraising, dishwashing, planning and spending time with those she loved. 

She was a crafter who loved to create unique and personal items and was always thinking of others with her thoughtful cards and gifts.  She spent many weekends at the Land of the Vikings and she absolutely loved recalling her trip to Norway years ago.

Evelyn was a faithful servant to the Lord and has been an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for over 50 years.  She was faithful and dedicated to her Church, her Church family and to God.  She was blessed with a beautiful life, and despite hardships along the way she never lost faith.  She is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence and two of her boys, Bobby and John.  Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing with them, and is watching over us all with love.  Her beautiful and extraordinary spirit will be with us always. 

Evelyn leaves her sons Larry (Karen) and William (Maureen Cooper); her adored grandchildren Kyle (Kristin), Marissa, Ryan, and Zachary; her dear sisters Betty Fox and Peggy Gerding; her sister in-law Delores Udland (brother Arthur passed previously) and so many more dear friends, relatives and loved ones.

"You can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and the smiles left behind."