Claudia Evart is the founder and director of the Siblings Day Foundation and Siblings Day (April 10). Siblings Day is a day designated to recognizing and celebrating siblings. Evart created the Siblings Day Foundation and established National Siblings Day after the untimely passing of her brother and sister, Alan and Lisette. Based in the Northeast, the Siblings Day Foundation (SDF), a 501c.3 nonprofit organization, follows in the spirit of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to honor and memorialize all brothers and sisters. Ms. Evart has dedicated herself to ensuring that the bond of brother and sister is forever acknowledged as the special gift it is. Her tireless efforts have paved the way for forty-nine governors to recognize Siblings Day and the last three presidents – Obama, Bush and Clinton – have also recognized the day by issuing a Presidential Message during their term in office.
Ms. Evart graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a BA in Political Science and Sociology. She also holds a paralegal degree from Bentley University. Her commitment to volunteering began in 1979 in Boston, where she became a Crime and Justice Foundation Mediator and member of the Boards of the Baltic American Society of New England and the Scandinavian Baltic Business Council. Evart’s interest in her ethnic heritage stems from her father who emigrated from the Republic of Estonia and she continues to be active in the worldwide Estonian community.
Ms. Evart grew up in a very active family and enjoyed a happy childhood with a large extended family. Her strong relationships with her older brother and sister, who encouraged her to join them in their activities, taught her many things. After the tragic deaths of both siblings at young ages, Evart realized how important and precious sibling relationships are. She continues to share her personal memories of her siblings to inspire others to honor their siblings on National Siblings Day and throughout the year.
Ms. Evart grew up in a very active family and enjoyed a happy childhood with a large extended family. Her strong relationships with her older brother and sister, who encouraged her to join them in their activities, taught her many things. After the tragic deaths of both siblings at young ages, Evart realized how important and precious sibling relationships are. She continues to share her personal memories of her siblings to inspire others to honor their siblings on National Siblings Day and throughout the year.
Childhood Memories of My Brother & Sister
By Claudia Evart
“I lost both of them in tragic accidents. Like many, I have these photographs of my brother and sister, who are both gone, but remain with me daily, not just in these pictures, but in my daily thoughts and in my heart, making me understand the everlasting bond we have with our siblings.”
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My Older Sister Lisette
My sister, Lisette, was two years older than me and was always teaching me life lessons. We shared the same room and we were very close. We were very active in sports and adventured in the outdoors together.
My sister taught me how important friends are in life. She was very popular and I wanted to be like her.
She taught me how to play many outdoor sports, both summer and winter, that from learning to swim to learning to ice skate. She also taught me how to bake cookies and a three layer cake with icing, how to curl and style my hair, and taught me the responsibility of owning and caring for pets.
Lisette taught me the joy of gardening at the summer home my father built in South Jersey.
Planting and harvesting flowers was my specialty. We enjoyed our harvest of garden fresh salad, vegetables and especially fresh and delicious tomatoes that became fresh tomato sauce. During the winters the entire family went to Bear Mountain State Park and enjoyed the snow sports; and later in life I became an avid cross-country skier.
My Older Brother Alan
My brother, Alan, was five years older than me and taught me life lessons as well.
He was first a Boy Scout and then an Eagle Scout. I was fascinated by the metal stars and badges that he received and I wanted to achieve badges also. This inspired me to become a Girl Scout.
While camping he taught me how to pitch a tent, how to avoid poison ivy, how to build a fire and how to roast marshmallows. This was my start of an extensive collection of badges and I ended up with more badges than he.
My Brother’s Courage
I truly believe that I am alive today because of my brother’s bravery and courage. One day, I was behind the wheel with my brother and mother in the car. My brother became aware before I did, of a car swerving into our lane and coming directly towards us in the wrong lane. Without saying a word, he immediately reached over and grabbed the steering wheel, turning it sharply and just avoiding a major crash. Our car then swerved off onto the side of the road. None of us was injured. His quick thinking and courage to do what needed to be done saved all of our lives.
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I have very fond memories of my siblings and wish we could have been together for many more years. I invite you to share your own memories of your siblings in stories and photos with the Siblings Day Foundation. Please join us in honoring our siblings on April 10, National Siblings Day and throughout the year.
For further information about the National Siblings Day Foundation or Claudia Evart, Contact:
info@siblingsday.org .