Published January 25, 2019
MELROSE – Eva (Stubra) Yadgood, 104, longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Windsor Place in Wilmington.
Eva was born in Ziaukai, Lithuania on June 23, 1914, one of 12 children of the late Jurgis and Ilsa (Kilius) Stubris.
Having graduated from teachers college in 1938, Eva taught school in Piktupenai, a town near the German border. Upon Nazi annexation of the area, Eva fled deeper into Lithuania where she continued teaching in Birzai. There she met her future husband of 68 years, Peter Yadgood and gave birth to their firstborn son, Vidimantas. When the then German occupied Lithuania was threatened with Russian occupation, the family fled their home for the safety of Memmingen, Bavaria. Sadly, it was during this harrowing flight that Eva and Peter lost their son to diphtheria.
An American born citizen, after the war Peter was able to secure passage to the United States, with Eva following the next year. They first settled in South Boston and then Melrose, where they raised their two children, Alvin and Lillian. Growing up during the dark days of the WWII and the ensuing upheaval in Europe taught Eva how to handle any situation that life may throw at her. Incredibly resourceful, she taught herself English, and was a published poet and short story writer. She turned resourcefulness into an art. She was a master of stretching a meal, growing her own food, making her own clothes, soap, and even manning a small vineyard. She was known for her fine needlework, handcrafts, baking, and ability to make even the most tumbled down plant live and flourish. Eva managed to do all of this and care for her family while working as a nurses’ aide in Melrose.
A miraculous cancer survivor of the 1950s, Eva relied on her faith in God to carry her through the challenges of war, illness and loss. With her inner strength and serenity, she inspired and motivated us to “do” and “be.” Described as an “old soul,” she was a source of wisdom and sage advice to her family members and others she came in contact with throughout her 104 years. With her tea kettle boiling and a full cookie jar, Eva was always ready to sit down and listen.
Eva engaged in life to its fullest. Her joy in living was evident in her ready smile, cheerful tunes she was forever singing, and her never ending desire to learn and do. She brought joy and light to everyone she came in contact with and never uttered a bad word about anyone. With Eva’s passing, a bright light has gone out in our world. Eva’s kindness and warmth will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her as we endeavor to carry forth her light and legacy.
Eva was the beloved wife of the late Peter Yadgood with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Alvin Yadgood and his wife Maureen of North Andover, and Lillian Yadgood-Kelly and her late husband Edward of Melrose. Preceded in death by her parents and 12 brothers and sisters, as well as an infant son, Vidimantas. Cherished grandmother of Matthew, Vincent, Thomas and Helene Yadgood, and Jessica and Bryan Kelly.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the loving caregivers at Windsor Place in Wilmington who treated Eva like family.
Relatives and friends were invited to calling hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Jan. 22. A celebration of Eva’s life was held on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
