Evelyn Ubhoff, a faculty administrator in the Computer Systems Laboratory, died unexpectedly at Novato Community Hospital of pneumonia on January 13, 2004.

Evelyn was born in New York City on April 3, 1947.  Her parents, Gerard and Hedwig Walter, were among the tremendous influx of immigrants from Europe after the Second World War.  Evelyn’s first language was German and when it came time to enroll in school, she was placed in the first grade because the kindergarten classes were too crowded with the city’s baby boom and immigrant population growth.  

It seemed to her family that Evelyn’s instant immersion to full-day classes in New York City schools set the tone for the rest of her life.   She became a master at quickly gleaning information that would get her the desired result, accepting and finding humor in new situations and challenges, and relishing the glitter and clatter she found in the big, new world outside of home.  She received an A.A. in Fine Arts from New York Institute of Technology in 1965, a B.F.A. from SUNY, Plattsburgh in 1968, and an M.A. in Education from Hofstra University in 1972.

Following college, Evelyn worked in the creative arts industry in various capacities including managing a ceramics shop, conducting art classes, and as an artist for the Edwin Marshall Boehm collection.   When her father accepted a job relocation to Menlo Park in the late 70’s, Evelyn visited and fell in love with the San Francisco area and moved here too. 

In 1983, Evelyn married Harvey Ubhoff who was a manager with The Vans club and restaurant.  In 1998 Harvey died unexpectedly of heart failure.  She mourned his loss deeply.  Everyone who visited her office on campus, or her residence in Redwood City observed the many photos and momentos from her marriage with Harvey.

Evelyn joined Stanford in 1992 in a temporary position.  She was excited to obtain a regular position in the Sociology department and worked in the administration of the Sociology Department for nine years.  In October, 2000, she moved to the Computer Systems Lab as Faculty Administrator for Professor G. De Micheli.  She was very happy in that role and was a valued member of the team.  Evelyn loved everything about Stanford University from the students, faculty and staff to the beauty of the campus itself.  She relished taking all the classes available to Stanford staff and was always learning something new.

Evelyn was a very high profile individual.  Her loud and very frequent laughter filled every space she occupied.  She easily laughed and cried.  People were drawn to her because she granted instant acceptance and empathy, but also never hesitated to give them humorous feedback and correction.  She loved her two cats, reading novels, sunbathing, and driving her convertible with the top down.  She was captivated by bargain hunting and online auctions; she loved to give and receive gifts.  Her demeanor was consistently animated and positive. 

Evelyn is survived by her mother, Hedwig Walter of Moraga, her sister Shirley Pittman of Dallas, Texas, her brother Barry Walter and his partner Loretta of Santa Cruz, her stepdaughter Kerry Estes and her husband and daughter of San Luis Obispo; her stepson Brody Ubhoff and his wife of Las Vegas.  In addition, Evelyn is survived by her dear friend and companion Manuel Duran of Novato.

A memorial service was held January 22, 2004, at the Stanford Memorial Church.  In her memory, a personal donation of a pint of blood may be made to the Stanford Blood Bank.