Evelyn L. “Lonnie” Stein, 97

January 1, 1928 - June 18, 2025

Evelyn L. “Lonnie” Stein, a resident of Willow Valley Retirement Communities in Lancaster, PA, died on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly sixty years, Captain Norman F. “Red” Stein, on February 4, 2024. Her two brothers and five sisters also preceded her in death. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews.

The daughter of Silas and Gladys Sharp of Birmingham, AL, Lonnie was born January 1, 1928. She grew up in a large, close-knit family, all reared and educated in Birmingham. Following high school, Lonnie moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to work in a bank while continuing her education. There, she became a photographic and fashion model, as well as an actress and hostess on a radio and television show.

On a vacation to Hawaii, Lonnie met her future husband and love of her life, “Red” Stein, a naval submarine officer. They were married two years later at the Ft. Myer Chapel in Arlington, VA, on November 26, 1964. Following her husband’s retirement from the Navy in 1978, they returned to his home in New Kensington, PA, where Red joined his father in the real estate and insurance business, and Lonnie started a travel agency. Her work allowed her to travel to all corners of North America.

When Lonnie and Red both retired in 1999, they moved to Edgewater, MD. Always looking for opportunities to channel her creative energy, Lonnie continued to participate in acting, an art she loved and one that brought her enormous joy. She also loved singing and playing the piano. Lonnie’s endearing ability to strike a presence and express herself – cultivated during her early years as a model and television hostess in Memphis and perfected through her love of song and music – never left her. Also worthy of noting, in 2002, Lonnie was voted Mrs. Senior Maryland and placed in the Top 10 for Senior Mrs. America.

The Steins moved to Willow Valley Retirement Communities in 2007 and found tremendous joy in spending time with Red’s Naval Academy classmates and other Navy wives. Lonnie’s creative pursuits never wavered. In her new hometown, she published two books, “Dawn Island” and “The Journey.” Lonnie was a reader, especially of the Bible. In Scripture she found comfort and strength.

Accompanying Lonnie and Red in their retirement years was their beloved Siberian Husky, Balti. Through their deep affection for Balti, she and Red helped start the Balti Dog Park at Willow Valley.

A special thanks goes out to those who helped care for Lonnie over the past few years, including her niece, Beverly Burnett, and her caregivers, Kate Zook and Cindy Herr. The staff at Lakeside in Willow Valley Communities provided compassionate care, as well. Services for Lonnie will be held at her church, Ascension Lutheran Church, on Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, PA, on Monday, July 7 at 11:00 am. Interment will be with her husband at the Columbarium at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Donations in Lonnie’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by mail (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or online www.stjude.org. Click the Donate Now button and follow the prompts to dedicate your gift in memory of Lonnie.