EAST FISHKILL- Evelyn J. Hitchen, 98 ½ years young, died on January 9, 2025 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center following a brief illness.

Born in Manhattan on June 9, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Kennedy) O'Mara. Evelyn moved with her family from the Bronx to Hillside Lake 55 years ago. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Columba Church, and a member of the St. Denis-St. Columba-St. Kateri Altar Rosary Society. She also volunteered at the New York Foundling Home.

On May 22, 1954 at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church in the Bronx, Evelyn married Richard M. Hitchen who predeceased her on April 8, 2013. She is survived by her beloved son, Richard and his partner Linda Thompson; her sister, Jean Lusk; and her nieces and nephews, Kenneth, Mary, Christopher and Brian O'Mara, Robert and Bruce Lusk, Glenn Lusk, Frederick, Laura and Christopher Tippett, Robert, Patricia, Gina and Kellie Giordano. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also predeceased by her siblings, James, John and Madeline O'Mara; and her dear friend of more than 85 years, Frieda Walters.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2-6pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.