Evelyn Mary Dugan

Evelyn Mary Dugan went to her eternal home very peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, just two months shy of her 107th birthday. She passed away with her daughter Mary and dear friend Vivian by her side. A woman of deep faith, Evelyn was looking forward to being reunited with the family members who had gone before her.

Evelyn was born on November 16, 1919, to the late John and Ella Ertel. She grew up in the Delmar area with two loving parents, four brothers, and two sisters, and always spoke fondly of her grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Ertel, whom she saw frequently.

After graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, Evelyn attended the Brady School of Nursing and accepted a position at Brady Memorial as a newborn nurse. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Thomas Dugan, with whom she enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised a large and loving family.

Evelyn was a "glass half-full" person who brought energy and joy to everything she did. She loved organizing her environment, gardening, exercising, sewing, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. She was an exceptional cook and baker who loved sharing her treats. Every Christmas season, Evelyn and Tom created a spectacular gingerbread village. Together, they made the dough, baked, and assembled several large gingerbread houses for display, ensuring the grandchildren always had homemade gingerbread cookies to take home. Evelyn always said that God had been very good to her in her lifetime. She was “little but mighty”, incredibly strong, and a thoroughly capable woman who will be greatly missed.

Evelyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Dugan; her son, John P. Dugan; and her son-in-law, Robert Draper.

She is survived by her loving children: Joan Dugan and her husband, Ed, of Williamsburg, VA; Barbara Draper of Princeton, NY; Maureen Smith and her husband, Jay, of Colonie, NY; Thomas J. Dugan Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Williamsburg, VA; Patricia O’Connell and her husband, Jay, of Fayetteville, AR; and Mary Hanley of Wilton, NY. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren whom she loved very much.

Family and friends may call from 9:00am to 11:00am, with a service starting at 11am on Monday September 21st at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. 

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