Diane Evans

Diane Evans, age 86, of Shelton, peacefully entered into rest at her home on Saturday, March 7, 2026. She was the devoted wife of 45 years to the late Stephen Andrew Evans. Born in Bridgeport on September 13, 1939, Diane was the daughter of the late Laurens Vernes and Ella (Dougherty) Vernes. She lived in Shelton for more than 60 years.

In her early years, Diane worked at the Singer Sewing Machine factory, where she met her future sister-in-law and, soon after, her husband Andy. She later served as a supervisor in the Accounts Payable Department at Philips Medical Systems in Shelton for more than 30 years, forming many lifelong friendships and earning the MVP award one season on the company softball team. She went on to serve as a librarian in Shelton for approximately ten years before retiring.

Diane was remarkably creative, with a passion for needlework, crafting, sewing, and knitting. She excelled at these arts and generously taught the traditional Ukrainian craft of Pysanki egg dyeing. She lived an active life, enjoying golf, gardening, and swimming in her backyard pool, and remained a loyal fan of the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox.

Above all, Diane taught love and forgiveness through her quiet example. She cherished family and created a warm, accepting space where generations felt truly at home. She is survived by her beloved children, Kurt Evans and Karen Evans and her husband Paul Lebinski; her brothers, Terrence Vernes and Robert Lombard; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, all of whom she loved deeply. She was predeceased by three siblings, Joyce Jerauld, Roy Knowles, and Nancy Knowles.