Evelyn Rose (Tanner) Riopel, beloved wife of William J. Riopel passed away on September 28, 2021 at the age of 82, after fighting a brave battle with an extended illness.
Evelyn grew up in Chaplin and moved to Willimantic as a teenager. She married her “Childhood Sweetheart”, William J. Riopel on September 22, 1956. They had just celebrated their 65th anniversary. After raising their children, they opened up a popular bakery in Willimantic called Baker’s Dozen on North Street. Evelyn enjoyed traveling, especially to different locations where her family lived. She loved being a “Nana” to her grandchildren and creating special memories with them, like camping. Upon retiring, Evelyn and William moved to Haines City, Florida. They have lived in Florida for the past 25+ years at Lake Region Mobile Home Park.
Evelyn was predeceased by her mother, Gladys Waite Tanner, her father, William Tanner, her sister, Lillian Gyure, and a brother, Arthur Tanner.
She is survived by her husband, William, her daughter & son-in-law, Laura (Riopel) and Paul Lambert of Willimantic, her son & daughter-in-law, Kenneth Riopel and Holly Dibble of Port Orange, FL, her grandson, Matthew Lambert (Lisa Motroni) of Central Village, CT, her granddaughter & husband, Monique (Lambert) and Cody Barr of Willimantic, and 4 very special great-grandchildren, Cyrus, Chloe, Cameron, and Caedmon Barr, and her younger brother Fred Tanner of Massachusetts. Evelyn also leaves many treasured nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends from all around the United States.
The family would like to sincerely thank all of the caring staff at Cornerstone Hospice in Ocoee, Florida for their compassion, dedication and exemplary care of Evelyn Riopel during her last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Evelyn’s name to Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation (www.cornerstonehospice.org), 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778-9648.
Evelyn's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. There will be a funeral service officiated by Pastor Dennis Reiter from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. A graveside service is set for Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Cemetery, Club Road, Willimantic, CT.
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