Youngstown, New York - Evelyn L. Shear, of Youngstown, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of Niagara Hospice. She was 97.

Born on February 27, 1929, in Miola, Pennsylvania, Evelyn was the daughter of the late David and Elsie (Mahle) Bowley. She worked for Jay's Drug Store and Hibbard's Dry Cleaners, and later became the owner of the Parkside Restaurant, now known as Bandana's Restaurant. Evelyn was proud to serve her faith community as the very first female Deacon of the Lutheran Church of the Messiah in Lewiston, NY.

She married Richard Shear in Niagara Falls, NY. Richard predeceased her on December 17, 2003.

Evelyn was an avid flower gardener, a talented painter, and a dedicated hunter. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy throughout her long life.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Evelyn was predeceased by her dear siblings, Wayne "Bud" Bowley, Ada Metzger, Ruth Matteson, and Mary Whitmer. She is survived by her loving daughters, Carol Young of Kingsport, TN, Janet Milliken, and Susan (Frank) Yuroshoski, Sr., both of Niagara Falls, NY; five cherished grandchildren; twelve adored great‑grandchildren; her dear sister, Gladys Ingersoll; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be present on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4-7 PM at HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 401 Ridge Street, Lewiston, NY. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11 AM at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 915 Oneida Street, Lewiston. Family and friends are asked to please assemble at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Evelyn's honor to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094, or to the Lutheran Church of the Messiah.

Please share condolences at HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com.