Evelynne Vincenza (Grimaldi) Trapani, 83, passed away peacefully in her husband's arms on Thursday evening, September 13, 2012, at her home in Saratoga Springs, New York. She was born and raised in Utica, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Nicotera) Grimaldi. She graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in 1947. Evelynne married Emil Edward Trapani of Fairlawn, NJ on August 22, 1953 and settled in Oakland, NJ. She bore five sons and stayed at home to raise them. She became an active member and officer of the Oakland Garden Club, where she led many efforts to beautify Oakland's public parks and grounds. She was a gifted flower arranger and loved to compete in flower shows, winning many blue ribbons for her arrangements. She eventually became a judge at such shows and also taught flower arranging classes at the local library. Evelynne dabbled in the art of watercolor painting, creating lovely paintings of flowers, landscapes and other subjects. She was an enthusiastic bird watcher and student of wild plants, teaching her boys by example the simple beauties of nature. She also devoted over 10 years of service to the Carmel Retreat Center in Mahwah, NJ, a non-denominational retreat run by Catholic friars. Evelynne was happiest when surrounded by her immediate and extended family, especially during the summer months at her camp near Hinckley Lake. Throughout the year, Evelynne enjoyed playing cards with friends, spending time with her grandchildren, doing crossword puzzles with her husband, and reading. She also loved the thrill of the bargain hunt and was an elite garage sale shopper; as the original "picker," she would drive a hard bargain when she saw something she liked. Evelynne's warm smile and infectious laugh were hallmarks of her personality. In all of the places she lived, Evelynne made friends easily and had a positive effect on people around her. She had a clear grasp of logic and common sense, and was never afraid to share her opinion. Evelynne is survived by her husband, Emil; her boys, William (Anne Stanley), Lawrence (Billie Lefkowitz), Charles, Ronald and David (Kate Ludwig); by her grandchildren, Ronald, Katie (Erik Stark), Alison, Joseph, Daniel, Sara, Michael, Stephanie, Emily, Laura, Nicholas, and Veronica; by her siblings, Joseph Grimaldi, Constantino Grimaldi (Connie Reader), and Paul Grimaldi (Barbara Heidrich); and by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Evelynne was predeceased by her loving sister, Gloria Grimaldi, in 1999. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September 20, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street, Utica. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Evelynne's memory to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866 or Mary's Haven (a community home for the dying), 35 New Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. The family thanks The Community Hospice of Saratoga and Home Helpers of Saratoga Springs for the wonderful care given to Evelynne in her final days. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.