Evan Baird Towle

Evan Baird Towle, age 45, passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2020. He is survived by his father, David Towle of Casa Grande, AZ, two sisters, Frances Towle of Casa Grande, AZ, Diana Rodgers, of Carlisle, MA, his nephew Anson Rodgers of Carlisle, MA and niece, Phoebe Rodgers of Carlisle, MA. His mother, Margaret Baird Towle, passed away in September 2019. Evan grew up in Southampton, NY and attended the Emma Willard School before studying Anthropology at Mount Holyoke College where he graduated cum laude and was a member of the Glee Club and Concert Choir. He received a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University and also holds a master’s degree in Divinity, Unitarian Universalist Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School. He was a reference librarian at Temple University for the last 11 years and prior to that, worked as a librarian and digital archivist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for over a decade. Evan published numerous academic papers on art history and criticism, and on the topic of transgender studies. He also spoke five languages. Evan was an active volunteer in small group ministry and was a patient support advocate at Penn Wissahickon Hospice.  He sang in several choirs and was a talented musician who played the guitar, banjo, drums, flute, harp and particularly loved the bagpipes. He was the owner of many pets over his life, and currently owned a small dog Esther, who has found a loving home. He was dearly loved by his friends, family and neighbors. Donations may be made to Friends of Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries.  A memorial service is expected in April.