Evelyn (Gawron) Chesky of South Hadley passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 20, 1933, in Chicopee, MA, to Maximilian and Adata (Orzechowski) Gawron. After graduating from Chicopee High School, she and her husband, Carl, raised four children in Holyoke, Massachusetts. 

As a young woman, Evelyn could be found supporting her children’s aspirations, and as her children grew, so did her love for the city of Holyoke. This fostered a strong desire for community advocacy and a lifelong passion for politics. Her political career began in the service of Young Democrats and numerous local campaigns. Evelyn’s talents were quickly recognized when she was appointed as a Holyoke Commissioner of Public Works, then elected to serve as a member of the Holyoke Board of Aldermen, and then as the first woman to represent the 5th Hampden District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001. During her political career, she was known for her strong leadership, fierce advocacy, and pioneering role as a female politician. Following retirement, she served as an elected Town Meeting Member for the Town of South Hadley and guest lecturer at Smith College. Evelyn was a lifelong learner with a passion for reading and adult education. Her spirited conversations, especially related to politics, were enjoyed by those who knew her. 

On a personal level, Evelyn cherished life and was deeply devoted to her family. She loved Polish holiday traditions, music, long walks, playing word games and puzzles, and most of all, being Babci. As a restless and adventurous spirit, she explored the world with many trips with her husband, children, grandchildren, and fellow Bridge enthusiasts. During one adventure, she emailed her children from the Gobi Desert of China following a riveting game of Bridge with locals. Always up for a game of cards, Evelyn was very competitive and insisted on winning.

Evelyn is survived by her children Jeffrey (Priscilla Fifield), Phillip, Kris (Aimi Kono), and Carlene (Stephen Hamlin), and her cherished grandchildren: Phillip, Mollie, Abigail, Matthew, Rosalyn, Martha, Maxwell, Allison, Karissa, Lilia, Kason, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a large extended family, who will always remember her for organizing an annual family picnic that brought everyone together. Evelyn is predeceased by her beloved husband Carl, daughter-in-law, Lori (Curran) Chesky, and siblings Rudolph Gawron, Adolph Gawron, Freda Barszcz, Stephen Gawron, and Chester Gawron. 

Evelyn’s life will be celebrated on Thursday May 22 from 3:00 to 6:000pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Evelyn Chesky’s commitment to public service and her community was evident throughout her career, and her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her. The family asks that you please omit flowers and consider a donation to the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club, 70 Nick Cosmos Way, Holyoke, MA 01040