OWEGO, N.Y. — Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) is mourning the death of Michele Evans, the firm’s aeronautics executive VP, who was a native of the Owego area and a graduate of Clarkson University in Potsdam. 

Evans died on New Year’s Day, per a Jan. 2 company news release.

Lockheed Martin is a defense contractor headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland that operates locations in suburban Syracuse and in Owego.

With more than 34 years of experience in the defense and aerospace industry, Evans led a “significant number” of programs in support of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy; as well as for commercial and international military customers. She also was actively involved in Lockheed Martin’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, serving as the executive sponsor for the Women’s Impact Network.

“The entire Lockheed Martin team was saddened to learn that Aeronautics Executive Vice President Michele Evans passed away on New Year’s Day,” James Taiclet, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin, said in a company statement. “Throughout her career, Michele led some of the most important programs that ensure the security of our nation and its allies and help make our world a safer place. Her example was an inspiration to those of us fortunate enough to have worked with her closely, and her leadership in the aerospace and defense industry will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

Evans’ personal story

Evans, 55, passed away after a “heroic battle with cancer,” according to an obituary on the website of Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home in Owego. 

She grew up in a large family in nearby Campville and graduated in 1983 from Owego Free Academy, where she was a three-sport athlete, per the obituary.

Evans went on to Clarkson University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1987. After graduation, she returned to the Owego area, got married, and raised a family in the village.

“Evans then promptly embarked on a career that culminated in her ascension to Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. She was a stalwart in the industry — shattering the ‘glass ceiling’ and positively impacting all those around her,” the obituary reads. “Her personable nature, her attention to detail, and her unbridled work ethic were all characteristics that prompted her rise to the top.”

Evans served on the boards of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Girls Inc. She was also a member of the advisory board of Clarkson’s Coulter School of Engineering.

Evans is survived by her husband, David, and two sons, Clark and Parker. She is also survived by her mother Julia Marzo.

Evans’ funeral services were held Jan. 7 and livestreamed on the funeral home’s website. She will be interred in the family’s mausoleum at Evergreen Cemetery in Owego.