The Material Handling Equipment Distributor Association (MHEDA) is mourning the passing of Evelyn McWilliams. She passed away on Sunday, June 19th at the age of 80.

MHEDA CEO Liz Richards told members: “Many of you knew Evelyn who was a loyal and dedicated team member at MHEDA for many years. I worked with Evelyn from 1995 until her retirement in 2007. She was an enormous help to so many of us; she loved MHEDA, its members, and her co-workers. 

“We learned this week that she passed away on Sunday.”

According to an online obituary, Evelyn died at her home in the care of her family. 

“Evelyn will be remembered as a kind-hearted, hard-working, straight-talking woman who enjoyed being outside on a beautiful day and loved celebrating the Fourth of July in Libertyville,” family members say.

She earned both her Bachelor’s Degree from Lake Forest College and Master’s Degree from Webster University while a married mother of three, working full-time. She looked forward to visiting new cities as much as a good stay-cation of going to movies, the Chicago Botanic Garden, Art Institute of Chicago, and her own backyard patio.  

“She devoted her life to her family and taught her children that they were children of God who were bestowed with blessings and beloved by her,” the obituary states.

Industry colleague Brian Harris describes Evelyn as “such a cheerful, kind and fun person”.

“I had the pleasure of dealing with her many times over the years through MHEDA. She was so upbeat and professional,” he notes. 

“It was never just business when I spoke with her. We always shared some jokes and laughter. 

“The world desperately needs more Evelyns right now,” he adds. “Knowing her enriched my life and my heart goes out to her family and many friends.”