Evie Magnante <br/> September 28, 1938 - May 3, 2014

Evie Magnante passed peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, May 3, 2014, surrounded by her loving husband and sons. She was born on September 28, 1938, in Los Angeles, to Antonio and Clotilda Vernetti. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957 and Cal State LA in 1961 before beginning her teaching career in East Los Angeles. On June 1, 1963, Evie married the love of her life, Tony Magnante. Evie and Tony bought their first home in Burbank, and Evie then stayed home to raise her sons, Michael and Paul. She was the best mom, always keeping her boys busy, cheering on every one of their games (except when she was too nervous to watch and had to pace the stands), participating in school events and PTA, and raising two men who would make her proud, especially in the husbands and fathers they have become. Having lost her own mother at 14 and her father just a few years later, Evie cherished not only her own husband and boys, but also all of the extended Vernetti and Magnante families, as well. Family came first, but friends and neighbors quickly learned that she considered them family, as well. Evie returned to teaching in 1976, with the Burbank Unified School District. She was a selfless and caring teacher to students at Franklin, Mingay, Bret Harte, and Washington Elementary Schools before moving on to Jordan Middle School where she worked until retiring in 2002. Evie was also devoted to her colleagues, particularly taking new teachers under her wing, mentoring and mothering many along the way. She loved the entire staff at each of these schools, and they quickly realized that they had become part of her family, too. Evie took advantage of retirement to spend more time with her family and friends and also to travel with Tony and many of their friends. Evie belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and the Burbank-Magnolia Park Optimist Club, where she led their efforts to increase scholarships for students, especially those who had overcome academic struggles or other obstacles. Sadly, Evie first faced a battle with cancer in 2005 and again in 2011. Her four grandsons, Mark, Luke, Dean, and Drew, truly were her motivation to fight, and fight she did, for she wanted to live and be a part of her grandsons’ lives, especially cheering them on with Tony at their many baseball, basketball, and volleyball games just as she had for her own sons. Evie was also determined to reach her 50th wedding anniversary with Tony, which they celebrated this past June. Tony was a constant presence and support throughout their marriage. Evie also felt so loved and cared for by her army of friends, as she called them, and the overwhelming support so many provided in these last few years speaks to the selfless and devoted friendship that Evie gave to them.

Evie was preceded in death by her parents, brother DA, and sister Marie. Evie is survived by her husband Tony, son Michael and his wife Jill, their sons Mark and Luke, her son Paul and his wife Cindy, and their sons Dean and Drew. She also leaves behind brother-in-law Ray Magnante and his wife Judy, along with eight treasured nephews and nieces and their dear families. Just as she was her entire life, Evie was a fighter to the end. She taught us all the meaning of courage, grace, optimism, and strength. Though her family and friends are grateful that she will not suffer anymore, they will miss Evie terribly, especially each of her seven special “boys.” Whether they had nine years with her, or fifty-one, Evie hated to leave her boys more than anything, for they were her life.

Services celebrating Evie’s life will be held at Burbank First United Methodist Church, 700 Glenoaks Blvd., on Monday, May 19th, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Burbank-Magnolia Park Optimist Club to fund a scholarship named for Evie honoring the difference she made in so many students’ lives. Donations may be sent in care of Gary Oseransky to 2063 Chilton Dr., Glendale, CA 91201.