Evelyn Maria Morales' Obituary
It gives us great joy to gather in celebration of the life of Evelyn Maria Morales who departed this world on April 18, Good Friday, at noon at the age of 74.
Evelyn was a cherished individual whose presence brought joy and warmth to all who knew her. She was born on October 2, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York at Cumberland Hospital in the heart of the Fort Greene projects (today Ingersoll). The daughter of Evaristo Andino Jimenez, a Merchant Seaman, and Filomena Morales Jimenez, a very talented seamstress, who instilled a love for sewing in her daughter, and the sister to Evaristo Jiménez, Jr.
From a young age, she exhibited a vibrant curiosity and an unwavering zest for life. Her early education at PS 67 and later at St. James Pro-Cathedral school developed her formative years, marked by a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for learning. After graduating from Bishop McDonell HS, a parochial high school, she pursued higher education at Baruch College where she majored in Business Education.
Following her academic pursuits, Evelyn embarked on a distinguished career as a teacher of keyboarding at Marine Park JHS 125 in Brooklyn. Her work with middle schoolers was characterized by determination, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. She left an indelible mark on the profession as applauded by a former student, Peter A. Pettas who wrote, “I had the pleasure of having lunch with Evelyn Morales, my junior high school typing teacher, and her husband Ben this afternoon. This get together was 31 years in the making and it was well worth the wait. Looking forward to my return visit to the area so we can get together again!” Upon hearing of her passing, he then wrote—“She was a great teacher and a kind soul. I’m thankful for the lunch we shared…but sorry we won’t be able to do it again. Rest in Peace.” While teaching Evelyn also worked at the law firm Polk, Wardell for 27 years.
Evelyn enjoyed dancing, preferably doing the mambo, cha-cha-cha, merengue. As a young teenager, she would gather with friends and go dancing to see some of the top latin performers of the time – Palmieri, Puente, Oscar De Leon, Harlow, La Lupe, Celia Cruz and more. Regardless of the genre, Evelyn would get up and dance.
She loved to travel. She took a year before beginning her teaching career to travel to Spain. She lived there and worked in an office to learn Spanish. She was a life-long learner. Evelyn felt she had had a good day if she learned something new.
While undergoing treatments, Evelyn wanted to take a trip. She chose a Viking River Cruise down the Mississippi this past January. We took the cruise which she enjoyed immensely, always hungry to try something new, to eat something new, to learn something new and of course to dance in the evening— so happy we were able to have that time together.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Evelyn was a devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and wife and recently a great aunt. She met Benigno Morales through a personal ad placed in a NY newspaper (old school, no internet back then). Their first date was on Memorial Day weekend in May, 1987. They then wed on April 15,1989, no coincidence as Ben was an accountant for the WWE. Although not having children together, she cherished Christina, Ben’s daughter, her niece, Larissa, and her nephew, Javier. She was extremely proud of their accomplishments and was very doting as she would welcome any time with them, instilling in them the values of kindness, integrity, and perseverance. They will share that she was always genuinely interested in hearing about what was going on in their lives at the time, she would always ask questions about school, work, relationships and whatever else was filling their lives at the moment. She would turn to Javier for advice regarding any ails or sports injuries. She was in awe of their babies as she cherished being able to come by to hold them. Javier and Larissa appreciated her different interests, from her varied hobbies including gardening, tennis and sewing to her love for Broadway shows and museum visits. Most importantly, they felt Titi Evelyn cared deeply.
Evelyn became an avid tennis player and later a gardener. She was introduced into the game of tennis by an elderly and distinguished gentleman, a tenant of the Kingsview Houses. He recognized her drive and competitive spirit, as only exhibited in champions. He took the time and patience to help develop her skills into
an accomplished tennis champion as she was a formative force on her Senior Team, 60 and Over—a team that took National Champions in 2006 and 2007 and runners up in 2008. Tennis was a passion she and Ben shared.
It was through her marriage to Ben that they bought a home in Valley Stream. She established another passion – gardening. Gardening was her way of giving back to her newfound community – Valley Stream. Evelyn was deeply committed to her immediate community, exploring everything about gardening, sharing her findings, and welcoming suggestions and comments to enhance her passion for her garden. Who can forget her delicious pear and arugula salad at family gatherings? One of her neighbors writes, “We are her Valley Stream neighbors. I have a Japanese maple growing in my front yard, and when I was planting it, Evelyn Morales came over and suggested I drop an apple in the hole. A piece of Evelyn continues to grow here in Valley Stream. May her soul rest in everlasting peace.”
Evelyn took great pride in her blood type A. As a dedicated member of society, she regularly donated blood with the goal of helping someone. She was always thrilled that she could donate to newborns.
In her later years she took up pickleball and mastered that game too. She loved playing both games in Valley Stream, and of late, in River Strand where she made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her latest accomplishment was learning to play Mahjong. Guess what?— she mastered that too! She became an avid “thrifter” with an eye for a great find. She would spend many hours “thrifting.”
As you all know, Evelyn was valiantly fighting breast cancer. She was a true warrior and an inspiration to us all. Throughout her battle she kept a positive attitude, always with a smile. Evelyn leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. Her memory will be cherished by all who have had the privilege of knowing her.
Evelyn is survived by so many – a beloved wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt and friend. She is survived by her husband Ben, who took stellar care of her throughout her battle, Ben’s daughter Christina, brother Wilfredo, sister Millie and nephews and their families who all loved her dearly. As well, her brother Evaristo, aka Jim, sister-in-law Marta, her niece Larissa, nephew Javier and their spouses, Alex and Mackenzie and 5 grandnieces and nephews along with many with many cousins and extended family members who will continue to honor her remarkable life and enduring spirit.
The family wishes to thank those of you who knew and loved her so much. Evelyn’s infectious smile will be missed. This celebration of Evelyn’s life is being held today to recognize her passion for life. Remember Evelyn for her vibrancy, energy, a thirst for knowledge, a love for the arts— for she loved her Broadway shows and her desire to wear only bright colors when she moved to Florida. Lastly, let us endearingly not forget—Evelyn had no filter, what she thought is what she spoke! Her conversation starter questions at Thanksgiving dinner were at times quite revealing—a tradition Ben’s family wishes to continue in her memory.
Rest in peace, Evelyn. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.
So, we say farewell knowing you fought a good fight. May you rest in eternal peace
What’s your fondest memory of Evelyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Evelyn?
Share a story where Evelyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Evelyn you’ll never forget.
How did Evelyn make you smile?
