Helen Alexandra (Alix) Evans
November 28, 1958 – October 12, 2008
The Rev. Helen Alexandra (Alix) Evans, rector of St. Mary’s Church (Mariposa), Los Angeles, died on October 12. She was 49, and had been under treatment for a third recurrence of cancer.
Evans was a practicing attorney before her ordination. She was the diocese’s leading voice on death penalty issues, and at the time of her death was also a member of diocesan council.
An avid gardener, Evans was instrumental in the establishment of the Yamazaki Memorial Community Garden at St. Mary’s, named for the first two rectors of the parish.
She served her entire ordained ministry at St. Mary’s, first as assistant (1998 – 2001) and priest in charge, later as rector (beginning in 2002).
Evans was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on November 28, 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1981, and a J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1987. She also held a master’s degree in divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. In 1998 she earned a certificate from Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. Bishop Frederick Borsch ordained her to the diaconate in 1998, and to the priesthood in January 1999.
Services were held on October 18, at St. Mary’s Church. Survivors include her father, James Evans, her sister, Anne Evans, and her stepsister, Kimberly Dieckhoner.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, to St. Mary’s Church, or to Mt. Calvary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara.