Evelyn P. McCrea

This is a tribute to the wonderful life of Evelyn P. McCrea, nee Passarelli. Most of us knew her as Ev, or Aunt Ev. Her late husband, Alfred C. McCrea sweetly addressed her as “Evie”. 

Ev was born in South Philadelphia. Her father, Matthew, and mother, Maria, nee Mastrogiovanni, had two elder daughters, Helen and Cele. They attended South Philadelphia High School for Girls. 

Ev entered the work force at Whitman’s Chocolates, where she lost her appetite for chocolates. Her next job brought her to an advertising firm, Ruben Donnelly. There, she met Al, a dynamic individual who changed her life forever. In the 1950’s, Al decided to start his own advertising firm. He asked Ev to join him. McCrea Associates specialized in Yellow Page advertising. Ev, as a partner, served as Treasurer and Secretary. The firm gained traction, representing national firms including USAir and Kidde. Ev relished her advertising career. She thrived in her trailblazing role as a woman in the advertising field. She was an active member of the Philadelphia Club of Advertising Women, and served in various officer positions, including a term as President. 

Following their marriage, Ev moved to Villanova, becoming a true Main Line matron. She enjoyed gardening including volunteering at the Villanova railroad station garden. She relished their membership at the Merion Cricket Club. 

Ev loved to travel, visiting virtually every continent. Trips included Italy, Mexico, the Far East, Africa, the Panama Canal, and a particularly exciting Rio de Janerio Carnival. She enjoyed her winter home in Sun City, Arizona.

Later in life, Ev downsized to a lovely residence at the Thomas Wynne Apartments in Wynnewood. Independent and social from the start, Ev had a great group of friends and family to share time with. She spent lots of time with her sisters Helen Pompo and Cecelia, including trips to the Bahamas and the Jersey Shore. 

Ev is survived by her nieces Elena Pompo Seeman and Diane (Michael) Kenny, nephew Vincent Pompo(Robert Yungman), great nieces Amy (Brian) Busse, Michele (Christopher) Stephano and Lisa (Nick) Thiel, great nephews Sean (Jenn) Kenny and Michael (Lauren) Kenny, Jr., great-great nephews Evan Busse, Adam Busse, Luke Stephano, Patrick Stephano, Vincent Stephano, Sean Kenny, Jr. and Mason Thiel, and great-great nieces Kiera Kenny and Taylor Kenny.

The family is extremely grateful for Ev’s residence at St. Martha Villa. The staff, aids and nurses all were professional, helpful and kind, and allowed for a dignified life up until the end.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2022 at St. Martha Manor, 470 Manor Avenue, Downingtown.

Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Evelyn P. McCrea, please visit our Tree Store.