Maria Schjerbech Evans
March 28, 1931 ~ August 17, 2016
Maria S. Evans, long-time restaurateur and founder of The Sitting Duck Pub at Evans Farm Inn in McLean, Virginia, died August 17th after complications from chemotherapy. She was 85.
The Danish-born, incredibly talented Maria spent the early years of her life in the small town of Middelfart, Denmark. It was there she witnessed first-hand the atrocities of Nazi occupation. Her father, Ejner Schjerbech, an accomplished tailor, and her mother, Ester, did their very best to make sure Maria and her siblings were insulated from as many of the horrors of that time as possible. Upon turning 18, Maria moved to London to start her new life. Without being able to speak a word of English, she worked hard to make ends meet and thrived in the process. She became a talented actress, working for the BBC and ITV. A beautiful young woman, Maria became a Ford agency model and eventually, Miss London. It was during that time in London when she met Air Force Captain, Joseph Young, her first husband. In 1958, the two traveled to the United States where her only son, Joseph Jr. was born. Her husband's career took the family to Madrid, Spain, and Ankara, Turkey. During that time, Maria's primary responsibility was to be the consummate hostess for the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), where she worked diligently to maintain the social fabric of the group while they were stationed in Ankara. In 1970, Maria moved back to the United States with her family. Shortly thereafter, she took a job as a hostess at Evans Farm Inn in McLean, Virginia. Her hard-working nature
caught the eye of the Evans family, and upon her suggestion she opened The Sitting Duck Pub, a 90-seat restaurant located in the lower level of the building. Maria also caught the eye of Ralph B. Evans, who eventually became her loving husband in 1978. Working together, the two of them energized the world famous restaurant and it became a favorite destination of politicians, heads of state, actors and sports figures alike. They became well respected within the local and national restaurant scene. It was this passion for the restaurant business that earned both of them a place in the Fine Dining Hall of
Fame and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Hall of Fame. They were also chosen as Fine Dining Legends by Nation's Restaurant News.
After retiring in 2000, Maria and Ralph traveled extensively and purchased a flat in Maria's beloved London, not far from where she started her incredible journey.
Maria is survived by her husband Ralph, son Joseph, two daughters, Lucia and Virginia Anne, three grandchildren; Samuel, Bayard and Teddy Lee, two brothers and a wonderful family.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
The Danish-born, incredibly talented Maria spent the early years of her life in the small town of Middelfart, Denmark. It was there she witnessed first-hand the atrocities of Nazi occupation. Her father, Ejner Schjerbech, an accomplished tailor, and her mother, Ester, did their very best to make sure Maria and her siblings were insulated from as many of the horrors of that time as possible. Upon turning 18, Maria moved to London to start her new life. Without being able to speak a word of English, she worked hard to make ends meet and thrived in the process. She became a talented actress, working for the BBC and ITV. A beautiful young woman, Maria became a Ford agency model and eventually, Miss London. It was during that time in London when she met Air Force Captain, Joseph Young, her first husband. In 1958, the two traveled to the United States where her only son, Joseph Jr. was born. Her husband's career took the family to Madrid, Spain, and Ankara, Turkey. During that time, Maria's primary responsibility was to be the consummate hostess for the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), where she worked diligently to maintain the social fabric of the group while they were stationed in Ankara. In 1970, Maria moved back to the United States with her family. Shortly thereafter, she took a job as a hostess at Evans Farm Inn in McLean, Virginia. Her hard-working nature
caught the eye of the Evans family, and upon her suggestion she opened The Sitting Duck Pub, a 90-seat restaurant located in the lower level of the building. Maria also caught the eye of Ralph B. Evans, who eventually became her loving husband in 1978. Working together, the two of them energized the world famous restaurant and it became a favorite destination of politicians, heads of state, actors and sports figures alike. They became well respected within the local and national restaurant scene. It was this passion for the restaurant business that earned both of them a place in the Fine Dining Hall of
Fame and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) Hall of Fame. They were also chosen as Fine Dining Legends by Nation's Restaurant News.
After retiring in 2000, Maria and Ralph traveled extensively and purchased a flat in Maria's beloved London, not far from where she started her incredible journey.
Maria is survived by her husband Ralph, son Joseph, two daughters, Lucia and Virginia Anne, three grandchildren; Samuel, Bayard and Teddy Lee, two brothers and a wonderful family.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Joe, thinking of you. Condolences. Leala Y’76
In sincere sympathy. What an incredible woman!! Death often leads to broken hearts but memories can never be stolen from the heart. My fond memories of this incredible woman console you. Dianne Bayer
Ralph, it was with great sadness that we learned this weekend of Marias passing. We have such fond memories of her. She combined qualities not usually found in one person. She was vivacious and warm, candid and kind, smart, perceptive, and confident, but unassuming and gracious. She was just such a delight to be with. She is in our thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to you and your family and we wish you all well. Tony and Rita
Ralph, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ralph – We were shocked and saddened to read of the passing of your lovely Maria. When Bob saw you at Giant several weeks ago you were hopeful a cure would once again be found for the dreaded cancer. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your wonderful family. May she rest in peace.
Ralph, I have such wonderful memories of her going way back to the years when I worked with you both at the Sitting Duck Pub. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Ralph, our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Maria’s death. We hope you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of all the happy years you both shared. Bryan and Mary White.
Dan and I treasure the memory of the DIRONA dinner in New Orleans with you both and the warmth and friendship she shared with us. Throughout the Evans Farm project, her strength, humor and grace helped to keep spirits up and assure its success. A grand lady who definitely made each person feel special. Our prayers are with you all.
We were so sorry to hear of your loss and we send our love to you and Joe Jr. With Love, Bibby and Ginny
To the Family of Mrs. Evans: My entire family enjoyed the warm hospitality of Mrs. Evans at The Sitting Duck Pub since we moved from Indiana in 1978. Her charm and grace, stylish attire, and always with a wonderful hat, made us feel at home. We were at the “last supper” that New Year’s Eve of 1999 and cried during Mrs. Evans’ last singing of “I Want to Get You on a Slow Boat to China.” We will never forget it! Our favorites were this song, the great fireplace, and the delicious spoon bread! Thank you for sharing Mrs. Evans with us. In sympathy, The Kurtis Family