Evelyn Dellose Freeman, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the daughter of Vincent and Mary (Pantalone) Dellose. Her beloved husband of 48 years, Paul Freeman, predeceased her on March 28, 2020, as did her cherished niece, Ashle Wilson Bailey, who passed away in July 2021.
A proud 1959 graduate of Padua Academy, Evelyn went on to attend the University of Delaware, where she developed a lifelong passion for art history. She pursued a variety of careers while continuing to nurture her love of the arts. Evelyn retired from Diamond State Telephone Company/AT&T after several decades of service, then went on to open “Paper Chase” retail shops in both the former Wilmington Trust and First USA Bank Centers. With a unique instinct for what customers wanted, she was a discerning buyer who personally selected each greeting card sold in her stores. Shopping trips for inventory often took her to New York City—her favorite playground—and she welcomed any excuse to visit. Her love of art history led her to roles at the Nemours Estate and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library where she served as an interpreter for more than 20 years. True retirement was never an option for Evelyn.
With an insatiable appetite for learning and travel, Evelyn and Paul visited museums around the world, cherishing the opportunity to view renowned art collections. She often returned home with unique antiques, proudly displaying them in what she considered her personal museum. She frequently participated in programs and travel opportunities offered through the Decorative Arts Trust. Later in life, Evelyn maintained a rigorous schedule of classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and delighted in reading The New York Times Sunday edition from front to back—often quoting articles verbatim. She truly never stopped learning.
Evelyn was a fun-loving and energetic person who embraced life with enthusiasm. During their marriage, she and Paul spent many summer days and nights managing the piazza at St. Anthony’s Festival, an experience that brought them great joy. She loved her family, exuberant celebrations, New York City, her “Cousins Club,” a strong Cosmopolitan, her pets, and—above all—entertaining in her home. Her Christmas Eve parties were legendary, often lasting into the early hours of the morning. You never knew who might walk through her door, but everyone left with a full stomach and a smile. All were truly welcome.
Evelyn is survived by her sister, Carol Dellose Wilson; her nephew, James B. Wilson; her great-nephews, Wilson and Rhett Bailey; as well as many extended family members, devoted friends, and her faithful dog, Mackenzie.
Friends and family are invited for a visitation on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A service will follow at 11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a memorial donation to the Ministry of Caring, 115 East 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, or Humane Animal Partners, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
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