Evelyn Dick Thoroughgood, Rehoboth historian

Evelyn Dick Thoroughgood, 94, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away in the comfort of her home and in the presence of her loving daughters, Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Evelyn was born Oct. 7, 1920, the daughter of John R. Dick and Lena S. Dick of Rehoboth Beach.

Upon graduating from Rehoboth High School in 1938, she returned home every weekend while attending Beacom Business College and while working in the treasurer's office at Atlas Powder Company, which later became ICI Americas in Wilmington.

Evelyn married George "Bugs" Thoroughgood Jr. in l946 and assisted with the operation of the Thoroughgood Lumber Company on Rehoboth Avenue.

A passionate Republican, she began her long stint in politics in l964 as a Republican Committee woman, and served on the legislative staffs of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as local and national election boards. She first served for Sen. Eugene Bookhammer, who became lieutenant governor, and for Ren DuPont. In the House of Representatives, she served for Rep. Harry Derrickson, the minority leader.

Evelyn truly loved Rehoboth Beach, serving three years on the Rehoboth Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, and 10 years as city treasurer. After serving on the committee to rebuild the Cape Henlopen Light Replica, Evelyn was named co-chairman of the Rehoboth Railroad Preservation Society. She was determined to preserve the original railroad station which was moved to its present location at the entrance of Rehoboth Avenue, and is now the offices of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Evelyn served two terms as vice president of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association and chairman of the Memorial Tree Fund. The water fountain at the foot of Rehoboth Avenue on the Boardwalk became a project of Evelyn's. It was erected in 1929, and there was a possibility that it would be removed during the streetscape renovation. She contacted several agencies, and received assistance from the National Register of Historic Places, which preserved the fountain as it stands today.

Evelyn served as the president and treasurer of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. An avid reader, she served on the board of the Friends of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library and director of the board of the Friends of the Delaware Archives, and Friends of Delaware Libraries Board.

Evelyn was honored to receive the Mae Hall McCabe Award for community service in 2002 from the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.

A confirmed member of All Saints' Episcopal Church since 1938, she served as second female warden, and chaired the All Saints' Antiques Show for several years.

Evelyn shared her collection of photographs of Rehoboth Beach in the early days, along with her experiences, by designing a slide show and lecture which she proudly presented to several organizations, including Elderhostel. Her sharp wit and sense of humor remained, as she closed each presentation with "Delaware Born, Delaware Bred, and Scrapple Fed."

Evelyn Dick Thoroughgood is survived by two daughters, Melissa Thoroughgood of Rehoboth Beach and Marilyn Thoroughgood Webster and her husband Donald F. Webster Sr. of Rehoboth Beach; two granddaughters, Penelope Baker and her husband Thomas Baker of Newtown Square, Pa., and Dr. Jennifer Mazzola and her husband Gregory Mazzola of Chester Springs, Pa.; and four great-grandchildren, Timothy Baker and Katherine Baker, both of Newtown Square, and Lauren Mazzola and Jessica Mazzola, both of Chester Springs.

Funeral Services and Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, at St. George's Chapel, Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Eunice Dunlap, assistant rector to All Saints' Church, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, Evelyn suggested contributions to the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Museum Fund, 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

Please visit Evelyn's Life Memorial website and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.