Local American Hero, Evelyn Wisner Passes at 98

Today, the world lost an American hero. And, she happened to live in Ridgefield. Evelyn A. Wisner, who celebrated her 98th birthday on November 10, 2018, died surrounded by people she loved, and under the care of the amazing RVNA Hospice team. 

Evelyn was one of 12 nurses who helped evacuate wounded U.S. soldiers from Iwo Jima. As a Navy flight nurse in World War II, Evelyn Wisner was as close to the front lines as women were allowed to get. Two rows of campaign ribbons and two gold combat stars on her dress uniform jacket attest to that.

After an interview with Evelyn aired in a CBS documentary on Iwo Jima survivors, a Ridgefield middle school teacher invited Evelyn to talk to her students. She continued to visit Ridgefield schools for several years sharing her love of history and nursing. 

In 2012, Evelyn A. Wisner was named a "local hero" by the American Red Cross and presented the Military Award from Ridgefield First Selectman, Rudy Marconi and Lucian Terranova, a board member of American Red Cross. The Red Cross defined a hero as "seemingly ordinary folks all came face to face with danger and chose to put the needs of others before their own- even if it meant risking their lives to do so."

May Evelyn, a patriot in every sense of the word, rest in peace knowing she left an indelible mark on the world. 

Thank you to Hospice by RVNA for caring for Evelyn and making sure she left this Earth with the dignity and grace that defined her.