Evelyn Marie (Romberg) Dal Santo (96) passed peacefully on September 29, 2023. She was born to Alef Carl Romberg and Marie Mary (Flork) Romberg on October 26, 1926, in Buckley, WA.
As a young girl she loved spending summers on her grandparents’ farm at Lake Tapps. These years were her fondest memories. The old Barn is still standing surrounded by beautiful homes.
Evelyn graduated from Buckley High School in May of 1944. She worked as a “soda jerk” at Sweeney’s confectionary and an usher at the local theater. Her uncle hired her to work as a whistle punk for his logging company. In June 1945 Evelyn went to work for the telephone company in Seattle. She was eventually transferred to the Enumclaw office and worked there until 1952.
In 1951, Evelyn went on a blind date that her friends arranged with a man named Joe Dal Santo. On April 12, 1952, Joe and Evelyn were married. For their honeymoon, they drove down the coast to San Francisco, CA. In 1953 they purchased a home on Lawson Street in Black Diamond WA where they raised their four children. Daughter Jodine (Bob) Burke, Sons Dan (Suzi) Dal Santo, Wayne Dal Santo, Daughter Diane Dal Santo. Grandchildren Robert (Eva) Burke, Annamarie (Allie) Burke, Jennifer (Tyler) Hayter, Shannon (Ryan Cheever) Dal Santo, Elizabeth (Alex) DeLeon, Anthony Dal Santo, Joe (Kelsi) Williamson and Ryan (Julie) Williamson, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
On March 11, 1962, Evelyn was baptized and joined the Black Diamond United Presbyterian Church. Over the years she taught Sunday School, helped with Bible school, cleaned the church, arranged wedding receptions, typed up and ran off the Sunday bulletin and the Minister’s Sunday sermons. She remained an active member until the church was dissolved in May 2008.
Joe and Evelyn took their children on many camping adventures, but the family favorite was clam digging at Moclips. In the early 1970’s they purchased property there and this became the place to be. The family still enjoys this property today.
During their 69 years of marriage, Joe and Evelyn had many travel adventures to Alaska, Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Arizona, and Texas just to name a few.
When her youngest daughter started school Evelyn decided it was time to look for work outside of the home. She was hired at Enumclaw License Agency and Miller’s Jewelry. She worked until Joe retired in 1985. Just in time to start babysitting for her first grandchild.
Evelyn was an amazing homemaker and an excellent cook and baker, especially cookies. Her happiest days were arranging dinner parties for friends and family. She always made room at the table for anyone who happened to stop by. She loved to play cards and board games and no meal was complete until the games were over. She always had time for a game. She loved her children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her love was unconditional. Evelyn was caring and thoughtful, always putting herself last. She will not be forgotten; she is a part of us and will be in our hearts forever.
Joe preceded Evelyn in death on March 31, 2021. A private burial will be held for both at the Black Diamond Cemetery. True to tradition, our family will share a meal together following the service.
Donations may be made to the Black Diamond Community Center, 31605 3rd Avenue, Black Diamond, WA 98010.
The family would like to thank Cascade on Elmont Adult Family home for the outstanding care provided by every caregiver for mom. They provided excellent care and comfort during mom’s two years there.
