Evelyn (Cyr) Drake Kinney
December 1, 1938
Bucksport – Evelyn Ruth (Cyr) Drake Kinney passed peacefully to her heavenly home on November 12, 2020, with her loving family by her side.
Born in Patten, Evelyn was the first of seven children born to Henry Cyr and Jennie (Giles) Thompson. She was quiet and kind, but there was a gritty strength and determination about her. Their house was filled with love, laughter and music. Many of her fondest memories were mealtimes - talking and laughing around the kitchen table, and singing around the family piano. Their family was part of a vibrant church where Evelyn’s faith was nurtured. One of her greatest joys was time spent singing and playing hymns. She led music in many churches over a span of seven decades.
Evelyn attended Patten schools where she was a dedicated student. She participated in speaking competitions, coached by her beloved father, and sang in talent shows and on a gospel television show with her sister, Yvette. Her senior year, her family moved to East Eddington; Evelyn graduated from Brewer High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Evelyn worked in banking, and later for a law firm.
In 1960, Evelyn met and married her husband of nearly 40 years, Audbur Drake. Together, they built their home in Bucksport and raised their three children. Evelyn helped run the family business and then worked in nursing. Evelyn was adventurous and loved the outdoors – especially Maine’s lakes and coast. Some of her favorite adventures included camping with her family on Butter Island in Penobscot Bay and Sandwich Island on Moosehead Lake. Later came nine grandchildren who fondly remember fun-filled sleepovers and adventures around Penobscot Bay. No sleepover was complete without Gram’s homemade baked beans, rolls, blueberry muffins and French toast. Audbur predeceased her in 2000.
In 2002, Evelyn married Rev. Clint Kinney. Although retired, Clint pastored a summer church for several years and Evelyn served as pianist and music coordinator. The Kinney family showered her with love and she and Clint had many wonderful years together. Clint predeceased her in 2009.
Evelyn will be remembered for appreciating life’s simple pleasures: a fresh blanket of snow, a bright-colored butterfly, a vibrant sunset across the pond. She’ll also be remembered for her strong faith, love of family and friends, and gracious spirit. She died as she lived, with grace and courage.
Evelyn is survived by: Yvette Funderburk and (Bob), Ruth Kulback and (Steve), Anne Jackson, David Cyr and (Becky), Philip Cyr and (Diane), Jonathan Cyr and (Carrie) and Patty, sister-in-law Susie Cyr Therrien and (Don); her children and their spouses: Faith and Bob Leitch, Joan and David Criscione, and AJ and Carrie Drake; her grandchildren: Anthony and (Marina), Noah, Annie, Dakota, Emilio, David, Payton, Gianna and Jordan; her Kinney family: Joan Scanlin and (Winston), Jeannie Dwyer, daughters-in-law Phyllis, Linda, and Mary Kinney, and their children and grandchildren; her Drake in-laws: Teddy, Rodney, Norene and Sharon; her dear cousins, nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children.
Evelyn was predeceased by her family members: Henry Cyr, Jennie (Giles) Thompson, Ted Thompson, Paul Cyr, Rachelle Cyr Williams, and Lloyd Jackson.
Evelyn’s family wishes to thank the dedicated medical community, Hospice staff, and friends and family who cared for her and prayed for her.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at the Riverview Cemetery in Bucksport next summer. Donations may be made in Evelyn’s honor to: The Root Cellar in Portland: www.rootcellar.org
Condolences may be expressed by visiting, the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 104:33).