In Fond Remembrance of Evangeline Van Wallace Shuler (India 1967-69)

Van was the oldest living Peace Corps Volunteer.  She passed away August 14, 2014. She will be missed by us all. This photo of Van was taken after the Peace Corps 50th anniversary March of Flags in Washington, DC (she wouldn't have missed the opportunity to meet up with her Friends of India friends). Pinned to her chair is a photo of herself as a Volunteer, as well as a photo of her husband, Henry Shuler, who died during their Peace Corps service in India.

Following is her obituary from the Florida Times Union.

Evangeline Van Wallace Shuler, 108: Our sweet Van passed away as gently as she had lived, on August 17, 2014 in her Avondale home in Jacksonville FL. Van was an enigma, a one-of-a-kind, an inspiration. She had a natural humanitarian and pioneer spirit; was inclusive, with a willing heart for community service. Van lived simply, remained humble and gracious, embracing life as she experienced places, cultures and friends throughout all 7 continents. Born June 4, 1906 in Dallas Center, Iowa to parents Mary and Leon Wallace, Evangeline, her brothers (George and Paul) moved to Seattle in 1915, and lived on a house boat. She was athletic, a leader and highly ethical. After graduating from Roosevelt High, she moved to Chicago and worked 3 years at Hull House with founder Jane Addams. In 1929, she married her high school sweetheart (Gard Shuler, a band/orchestra director), moved to Detroit, Michigan, had two children (Terry Lee and Mary Lynn). During WW II, she was executive secretary of Ferndale Community Center, led scouting and served 3 years as PTA president. In 1945 the family moved to Titusville Fl. where Van enthusiastically involved herself with her children, community activities, helped Gard plant an orange grove, and served as Postmistress for 14 years. Vacations to Seattle involved an old car, camping, hiking, picnicking, exploring. Music, education, sailing and swimming were important in their family's life. At age 60, Van and Gard joined the Peace Corps. They had served in India for 1 year when Gard suddenly died from meningitis. Van completed the 27 month commitment in India, then independently explored the South Pacific for 2 months. She returned to Florida, sold her home, and moved to Seattle to join her widowed mother. There Van thrived in the ballroom dancing world of enthusiastic, interesting, adventurous, fun seniors. Dancing became her passion. She discovered Elderhostel, enjoying 114 stimulating, week-long programs throughout U.S. and world. She especially enjoyed U.S. river cruise tours. She loved meeting people and hearing their stories. Take life by the hand and dance. Van is survived by her daughter, Lynn Chalmers; grandchildren: Ty (Marguerite) Chalmers, Robyn Chalmers Hoopes, Gardner (Angie) Chalmers, Vanessa (Drew) Chalmers Brosnan, Kevin (Kathy) Shuler, and Klaus (Pauline) Shuler; nine great grandchildren; and three nephews. Per Van's request no service will be held; a private family celebration of her life to be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Avondale United Methodist Church or Community Hospice.

Published in the Florida Times-Union on Aug. 20, 201 at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obituary.aspx?n=evangeline-van-wallace-shuler&pid=172179228#sthash.R5NqYxrH.dpuf

National Peace Corps Association profile of Van: http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/2010/06/rpcv-and-dance-enthusiast-van-shuler-celebrates-104th-birthday/