Evelyn Leeman Martinez, 66 and 7 months to the day, of New Haven, CT and Rockport, MA died at home on July 29, 2009 after surviving a 6 year diagnosis of peritoneal cancer. Evelyn is survived by her husband of thirty years, Bob Martinez, who will always love her even more than the small rain loves the gentle earth. She also leaves her devoted children, Kathryn Martinez (David), Susan Martinez Sendroff (Adam), and Michael Martinez; two granddaughters, Lily Sendroff and Zoe Sendroff, who will love her over the rainbow and back forever; brother George Leeman (Ginny); niece Leslie Leeman Uhl (Trevor); nephew Jeffrey Leeman; grand-nephew Carter Uhl; and beloved cats, Fletcher Longshanks, Moondance Magic Proudtail, Ebeneezer Shadowfriskums, and Gideon Skimblefrost. She is predeceased by her parents; her Uncle Jud; and cats Little Cat Fearsfriskums; Mr. Jocko Skimblespats, Sir; Little Mama Maggie Snugglenoze; Darwin Pfefferneuse; and Phoebe Magic Snowdust. Born in Manhattan in 1942 to the late George Leeman and Evelyn Boeger Leeman, Evelyn was raised in Ridgefield, CT, later relocating to New Haven in the early 1960's and becoming a part time resident of Rockport in 1997. Attending SCSU as an Art major, she later switched to Social Work and received her Master's from NYU. During her professional career, she worked in mental health services, first at Cornerstone in New Haven and later for Griffin Hospital in Derby. In addition to many volunteer ventures, Evelyn proudly co-founded Cute People's Day in 1990, always the first Sunday in August. Evelyn recently shared with her loved ones that life isn't about waiting for the storm to be over, but about learning to dance in the rain. Her vibrant, generous and compassionate spirit deeply touched most everyone she encountered. She will be remembered as a strong, brave, creative and generous woman with a bright smile and infectious laugh. Evelyn enjoyed celebrating all of life's moments with her family and friends, planting magnificent gardens, photography, and walking the beach listening to the waves while looking for sea glass treasures. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to one of her favorite causes: The Animal Haven, 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473; Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 260 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930; the Father J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, Hospital of Saint Raphael, Attention: Foundation, 1450 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511, or Connecticut Hospice Inc., 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Friends and family may call on Saturday, August 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at BEECHER & BENNETT Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden and all are welcome to attend a joyful celebration of her life on Monday, August 3rd at 5:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. James, 57 Olive Street, New Haven.