Obituary of Evelyn Coufal

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Evelyn Gertz Coufal on Thursday 3/14 in Denver, CO at the age of 87.

Evie was born and raised in Denver by her loving parents Nate and Sylvia Gertz. She attended Denver East High school before matriculating to Denver University, from USC where she studied social work and met her first husband Dan. She always said he was better match as bridge player than a as husband. She eventually moved her life to San Diego. After surviving a brain tumor, she decided it was time for a career switch and enrolled at UCSD, where she joined the first class of women to ever graduate college as a trained paralegal. She worked for many small law firms throughout her career before bravely starting her own paralegal consulting business which she successful ran for many years until retiring. After spending 50 years in San Diego, she recently returned back to Denver for the remainder of her life.

Evie was an avid sports fan. Her favorites team was the San Diego chargers. She loved watching Tennis and the Tour de France. But her love extended to all sports. Once while family was visiting, they attended Glory 21, a kickboxing event in the area. The final fight resulted in a controversial tie between the two heavyweights. Despite it being a sport that Evie had no knowledge of prior to attending, an outside observer would have thought she was a constant, passionate fan. Her expletive laden rants at the judges were followed by a quiet and disgusted walk back to the car.

For those that were close to Evie, this story applies to many different events that Evie engaged in. She had a broad knowledge base and a unique ability to become passionate about a subject quickly. From politics to sports, she was someone that loved good food, good conversation, and a good game of bridge.

Evie will be remembered for being unflinchingly herself and a fierce protector of her family. She was a model for what it meant to have a strong voice as a woman in this world – outspoken, honest and deeply committed to what she believed in. She had a huge heart and felt things intensely.  She loved the joy of her grandchildren, and championed their happiness in a open minded curious way. She loved movies and stories, and her eyes would always widen when she was paying close attention.

Evie is survived by her sister Roberta Rosen, daughters, Betsy Mordecai Heyman and Julie Mordecai of Denver, CO; her step-daughter Chrystal Ricciardulli, and her grandchildren, Sarah and Noah Sellman, Anthony, Zach, and Savannah Ricciardulli, and Stone Heyman. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, John Coufal, her first husband Dan Mordecai, and her step-daughter Kristan.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Biden Campaign!

Family and friends are invited to join shiva at the home of Betsy and Gareth Mordecai-Heyman; 2 Cherry Lane, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113; Friday 3/15 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm and Saturday 3/16 from 12:00pm until 6:00pm.