Evelyn Van Alstyne

Colonie - Surrounded by her family and following a courageous battle with cancer with strength and integrity, Evelyn Van Alstyne, 81, of Morris Road, went to be with Jesus and her loved ones that went before her on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Born on January 29, 1940 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of Fritz and Madeline (Braeunig) Sommer.

At age 5, she and her family moved to Colonie and settled on Morris Road.  She was a 1957 graduate of Colonie Central High School and Mildred Elly Business School.

Retiring in 1984, she was a longtime manager for the General Electric Company in Schenectady.

Upon retirement, Evelyn started her own cleaning service as well as volunteering for Senior Hope Counseling, Inc.  She eventually became a cherished employee of Senior Hope where she continued to work part time up until her passing.

Evelyn was musically talented and enjoyed playing the piano, organ, and saxophone.  She also enjoyed tending to her many plants, gardening, and bird watching.  She took great pride in her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, a brother Fred Sommer died before her.

She leaves her husband Robert "Bob" Van Alstyne; children Denise Hartman Stewart, Rhonda (Kevin) Hartman Allen, and Ronald (AnnMarie) Hartman all of Colonie; Grandchildren: Jesse Stewart, Christina (Ben) Hartman Radtke, Ashley Hartman, Julia Allen, and Mitchell Allen; great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Brayden, and Anthony; as well as sister-in-law Susan Sommer and her family Katie (Mitch) Sommer-Walker and David (Yolanda) Sommer and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Arrangements are by Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful, caring nurses and staff of the Community Hospice.

Those looking to remember Evelyn in a special way, may make memorial contributions to the Community Hospice or to The Senior Hope Foundation, Inc., 650 Warren Street, Albany, NY 12208.