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Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 03 September 2014 03 September 2014

Evelyn Snell Pollard, 82, passed away September 11, 2013 in Santa Rosa, California.

Evelyn lived a life that was always aimed at supporting and giving to others, whether at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she served as Dean for 33 years, as a member of the Church of the Incarnation, or through community organizations.

Inurnment will be held by Bright Funeral Home on September 8, 2014 at 9:00am at the Masonic Cemetery.

Evelyn was raised in Hanover, New Mexico, and got her Masters at Western New Mexico University.  CC Snell Middle School is named after her father. At SRJC she tirelessly promoted women's leadership, professionalism, and education by establishing the Women's Center, the Women's Re-entry Program, and Women's History Month. She had a gift for helping students and colleagues overcome obstacles and fulfill their potentiality. Many of the services which assist SRJC students today were innovations that Evelyn developed and maintained during her long and productive career. Many colleagues felt she "raised" them professionally in a nurturing and supportive way, embodying true collegiality. Evelyn was a proud and devoted member of a number of service organizations. She eagerly spent Wednesday mornings helping in Rose Morgan's classroom at Burbank School. She was particularly devoted and attached to the members of the Morning Prayer community at her church. Evelyn came to Santa Rosa in 1964 by way of Colorado and New Mexico where she was the daughter of a zinc miner and an artist. She met her former husband Bob Pollard (1934-2012) at Adam's State College where she worked as the Dean of Women. She was a beloved mother and dedicated friend. She embraced life fully and had a zest for adventure.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her son John Gregory Pollard (1964-2008), her longtime companion Duane Blackwell (1934-2004), and her caregiver and friend, Kathy McMahon (1953-2013).

She is survived by legions of friends, and by her daughter Lisa Pollard (Renee Eli). Contributions in her name can be made to the SRJC Foundation or to Open Table, Church of the Incarnation. Bright Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements,