Submitted by her family
Eva was an incredible daughter‚ sister‚ friend‚ and love. She was a very talented young lady who excelled in many aspects of life. She was a Christian who sang at her church from the time she was only 9 years old until she began college. She loved music and played the guitar and flute. She had an incredibly beautiful voice and blessed many people with her gifts.
Eva loved the outdoors. She spent many hours fishing‚ waterskiing‚ snowmobiling‚ snow skiing‚ and just simply enjoying the beauty of wherever she was at that time. Above all‚ her intense love for her family was always evident.
Although Eva was involved in sports from the time she was 6 years old‚ she always put family first. Eva played three sports in high school: basketball‚ volleyball‚ and track. She excelled in everything she attempted. She attended Stanislaus State University on a basketball scholarship.
Eva’s father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer during her first year of college. She was called home to take on another challenge in life. She helped care for her father until his death that year. Yet‚ she still graduated from college at the age of 21 years old with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. After graduating‚ she realized that her calling was care taking in the medical field.
Eva planned to resign from firefighting because she thought the work hours would interfere with being a wife and a mother. She had just enrolled in nursing school at Modesto Community College a few short weeks before her untimely death. Her professional goal was to be a flight nurse.
Eva had worked for CDF for four years. She had been recruited to the Helitack team in the summer of 2003. She was respected among her peers for her firefighting skills. During down time‚ Eva always tried to sucker in her co-workers to a game of basketball or volleyball. She was quick-witted and very funny.
Our hearts are broken that she is gone‚ but we will keep her memory alive as long as we possibly can!!! Thank you again.
Joyce Schicke (Eva’s Mom)‚ John Schicke (Eva’s brother)‚ and Shea Butler (Eva’s fiance)
Hello, I read the notice about Eva with sadness at her death, and the fact she was soon to leave the fire service. I debated posting this as I did not want to open an old wound for you–but I felt I had to post so you would know I am very grateful that fine people like Eva take the call to protect us via the CDF. With Love and respect, Dave in Jamul CA. PS – May God Bless all of you!
– Dave Hernandez