Evelyn Ann Tajchman, 81, entered eternal life on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
She lived each of her years with boundless joy, and all who crossed her path were touched by her warmth, her laughter and the kindness that radiated from her smile.
Affectionately called “Apple” by her granddaughter, Olyve, when she was just learning to speak, Evelyn grew up in her beloved St. Paul, or “God’s country,” as she called it, where she enjoyed a joyful, spirited childhood. Later, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Pittsburg State University. She was a talented baton twirler, a gifted singer, a lover of music and a devoted and knowledgeable gardener with a deep love for the beauty of growing things.
Dennis and Evelyn married on May 17, 1969, and had a wonderful marriage together, filled with life and love. The two loved going out to the farm in Ramona, going for drives and just being together. Their deep Catholic faith was the foundation of their lives. At All Saints parish, Evelyn and Dennis regularly attended Mass together and adoration. They had their first child, Casey, on Feb. 26, 1972. Although they always wanted more children, it wasn’t until Evelyn was 42 that they received the surprise blessing of Tiffany, who joined them on Aug. 20, 1987.
Her front porch became a gathering place, the “neighborhood barbershop,” where friends, neighbors and family would sit for hours in easy conversation, sometimes late into the night. Celebrating holidays and keeping family traditions were cherished by Evelyn, including Christmas dinner, making Christmas candy, or simple summer get-togethers. Everyone felt at home with Evelyn; she always had a hot pot of coffee ready for a guest and the love she gave so freely was returned many times over, as evidenced by her hospital bedside, where she was never left alone.
Evelyn never missed an opportunity to attend one of her grandchildren’s events, including school programs, grandparents day activities and especially watching her grandsons play baseball. And she was her grandchildren’s biggest fan.
A faithful and devoted member of All Saints Catholic Church in Wichita, Evelyn’s faith was the guiding light of her life. Raised in the Catholic Church, she lived each day with hope, gratitude and a deep trust in God. Evelyn was a member of the finance council and her parish altar society. She had a beautiful voice and shared her talents as a church lector and cantor at many church celebrations. She longed for the day she’d reunite with her beloved “Denny” and looked forward to the joy of Heaven. It was fitting and beautiful that a Mass was said in her home the night before her passing.
Evelyn’s loving greeting — “Honey, sweet child of God!” — was more than just words. It was the essence of how she saw others, as beloved and cherished.
To have known Evelyn was to know unconditional love, joy and generosity. There could never be enough time with someone like her, and her absence is deeply felt. As she would always say when it was time to leave, it’s now our turn to say, “OK, bye now!”
A vigil and rosary was Thursday evening at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 132 S. Millwood Ave., Wichita, KS, 67213.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at Church of the Magdalen, a Catholic church at 12626 E. 21st St. North, Wichita, KS, 67206.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Tajchman; her parents, Bill and Olive Casey; and her brother, Lyle Casey.
She is survived by her children, Casey Sean (Stephanie) Tajchman and Tiffany Ann Tajchman, both of Wichita; grandchildren, Connor (Chayce), Logan, Nathan, Olyve Ann, Ella and Lily; sisters, Doris Owens, Carolyn Butts and Shirley (Ed) O’Donnell, all of Wichita; and a brother, Bob Casey of Independence.
The family suggests memorials to Kansans For Life, 7016 W. Harry St., Wichita, KS, 67209; or A Better Choice, 3007 E. Central Ave., Wichita, KS, 67214.
Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel is in charge of services. Leave tributes online at www.dlwichita.com.
