Evelyn McCall-9-6-2025

Evelyn McCall (nee Carter), born on July 2, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.  She was 97 years old.  Evelyn’s life was marked by a deep love for learning, music, family, and the quiet jobs of everyday life.

Evelyn attended classes at Rutgers University and Brookdale college, nurturing a lifelong curiosity that remained with her through her years.  Professionally, Evelyn found her calling as a Customer Service Rep at the Musical Heritage Society in Ocean, New Jersey.  Musical Heritage specialized in classical music recordings – a perfect fit for Evelyn’s discerning ear and passion for the genre.  Her role went far beyond answering phones; she became a musical sleuth.  When customers called humming or “dah dah dah-ing” fragments of melodies they couldn’t name, Evelyn took great pride in identifying the piece and composer.  Her uncanny ability to match vague recollections to specific works brought joy to countless music lovers and made her an indispensable part of her work team.

Outside of work, Evelyn was an avid reader and a devoted fan of classical music.  During the 1980s and 1990s, she held annual subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera and often traveled into New York City with her daughter Angela to attend performances – memories that they both cherished.

Evelyn had a special bond with animals and was known for her deep affection for cats and dogs.  Over the years, many beloved pets were part of her household, most recently her cat Corky who brought her comfort and companionship.

Her playful spirit shone brightly in moments both big and small.  In 1962, when the family adopted a goofy spaniel with long wavy black hair named Bimbo – named by daughter Angela – Evelyn delighted her children by inventing elaborate stories about their new pet.  According to Evelyn’s whimsical tales, Bimbo held degrees in coal mining and brain surgery from “Cornell Coal College.”  She even gave him a voice: nasally with a slight stutter that began every sentence with “E-E-E.”  These imaginative stories became treasured family lore and reflected Evelyn’s joyful creativity.

Travel was another source of happiness for Evelyn, and she took many “girls’ trips” with her daughters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.  These adventures were filled with laughter, discovery, and lasting memories that enriched their close-knit bond. Evelyn shared an especially profound connection with her daughter Angela, with whom she lived for seventy years – a testament to their enduring closeness and mutual devotion. In her later years, Evelyn found comfort in simple pleasures – watching Britbox murder mysteries or tuning into the Food Network while curled up with Corky nearby.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Elena McCall and Angela McCall; her son Michael McCall; her brother Rudolph Carter; and all those whose lives were touched by her presence.  She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert S. McCall Jr.; her son Matundu Makalani (formerly Martin McCall); and her sister Willa Mae Carter.

Those who knew Evelyn will remember her as intelligent and quietly sweet-natured – a woman whose warmth radiated through thoughtful gestures rather than grand declarations.  Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  A private service will be held on September 6, 2025.