Mary Evelyn Macar, 86, of Tampa, returned home to the Lord on December 19, 2012.She was born to Michael and Suzanne (Hlavach) Hovanec in Footedale, PA.A lifelong pianist and vocalist, Evelyn began her professional musical career as a member of "The Hovanec Sisters," performing at WMBS radio station in Uniontown, PA, during the 1940s. In 1949, she married her husband of 63 years, Alex, with whom she performed jazz and popular dance music for nearly six decades. In the mid-1950s through the 1960s, they were the proprietors of the "Wishing Well" nightclub and restaurant.
In 1970, Evelyn and Alex relocated to Tampa, FL, with their four children. She and Alex performed as a duo in various Tampa Bay area establishments before opening their own jazz venues, "Smart Alex" in 1975, and "Maestro's" in 1981.
Evelyn was also an accomplished church organist and choir director for four Tampa Catholic churches: St. Paul's, Most Holy Redeemer, Epiphany and St. Mary's.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Helen (Hovanec) Gabrin and Cecelia (Hovanec) Kopas. She is survived by her husband, Alex, daughter Suzi (Macar) Balistreri, sons Robert (Robin), Richard (Amy), and Alex V. Macar, granddaughters Gina Balistreri, Maggie and Lily Macar, and grandsons Matthew, Kevin, Alex, Gregory and Jeffrey Macar.
The family will receive friends Friday, December 21, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., at MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 22, 1:30 p.m., at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15520 North Boulevard, Tampa. Family will visit with friends 30 minutes prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Evelyn's memory to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637

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