Evelyn M. Murtagh, 91 a lifetime resident of the area passed away Friday evening, March 27, 2009 in the Delaware Valley Hospital. She was born on April 2, 1917 the daughter of the late Orrin "Hilton" and Ada (Townsend) Fitch in Shinhopple.

Evelyn was a graduate of Downsville High School, class of 1934. She was twice married, first to Darwin Lewis of Downsville, who died in 1975, secondly to Joseph Murtagh of Roscoe, who died in 1995. She was employed for many years as a secretary for the New York City Board of Water Supply. She was a long time member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church serving as trustee and president of the ladies guild for over 40 years, and a member of the Downsville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Evelyn loved to play pinochle, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Her favorite and main job though was raising her 5 children.

Evelyn is survived by a son, Craig Lewis, Syracuse; daughters, Marilyn Aten of Newark, Ohio; Penny (Don) Jacobs, Ocala Florida, Nikki (Randy) Freeth, of Downsville, 4 step-sons, Joseph Murtagh, North Carolina; Peter Murtagh, Lexington, North Carolina; Dennis Murtagh, Downington, Pennsylvania, Patrick Murtagh, Roscoe; 24 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a son, Dale Lewis, grandson, Dale Hitchcock; 2 brothers, Arnold and Olan Fitch and sister, Madge Dunshee.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, April 3 from 5 to 7 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton where services will be held at 7 PM. Interment will be held privately in Paige Cemetery, Downsville.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Main St., Downsville, Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820; or a charity of one's choice.