WICOMICO CHURCH—Evelyn “Evie” Thompson Thorndike died peacefully at home on November 12, 2022, after a brief and bravely fought battle with cancer.
Evie was born on July 31, 1944, in Uniontown, Pa., and grew up on her family farm, Magnolia, in Wicomico Church. She graduated from Northumberland High School and attended Sullins College in Bristol.
Evie was a pioneer with a determined and independent spirit. She was one of the first women to ride for the United States Equestrian Team’s three-day squad event (dressage, stadium jumping and cross country). In 1968, Evie was selected as a candidate for the three-day Olympic squad to represent the USA in Mexico City during the 1968 summer Olympics.
A consummate equestrian, Evie instructed countless young people throughout the Northern Neck how to ride and care for horses.
Evie also had a vast knowledge of flowers and birds, where both flourished bountifully on her farm in Wicomico Church. And throughout her life, she was devoted to the care of a long line of dachshunds and horses.
She is survived by her sisters, Sue Hunt, Anne Reisner and Sally Shepherd; her brother, Andy Thorndike; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved chihuahua Radar.
Evie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Greenough “Harry” Thorndike and Carolyn Fredrika “Fredi” Thorndike; her brother, Hank; and her sisters, Alice and Olivia.
Her friends and family will miss her deeply, but her legacy will live on in the irises, day lilies and peonies that bloom every spring.
