Evelyn M. Soriano, R.N. passed into the loving arms of the Lord after a brief illness at Griffin Hospital on May 21, 2023, surrounded by her three beloved sons.
Evelyn was born to Anthony and Anna (Yankowsi Marchuloniz) Mitchell in the Ansonia home where she enjoyed most of her life. She lived the Summer of ’42 and graduated from Ansonia High School in 1944. She matriculated at Georgian Court in New Jersey, then graduated in 1948 from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven as a registered nurse. Evelyn was the first of her generation of cousins to complete college. She went on to earn her Master of Nursing degree from the Yale School of Nursing in 1951 and remained a proud alumna and staunch supporter of nurses and nursing. She served as a clinical instructor and particularly enjoyed her work in pediatrics and obstetrics at both Yale-New Haven Hospital and St. Raphael’s Hospital.
Evelyn left nursing to devote her life to raising her four sons, a dedicated mother to each of her boys, no matter the circumstance or travail. For those who met Evelyn, they found a strong woman who was sharp as a tack until three days before her death. Her memory and recall allowed her to play Jeopardy exceedingly well. Evelyn left a deep impression of the kind, loving, and tough woman who reminded everyone to not dwell on their troubles, to get on with life. Her favorite question, “What are you going to do, sit down and cry about it?” burned into those who were asked. She epitomized perseverance and determination. Evelyn was a shining example of the “Greatest Generation.” Her wisdom, humor, and vibrant personality will be cherished forever.
Evelyn’s greatest disappointment was that she was unable to attend mass at her beloved parish (Assumption Church in Ansonia) since the start of the COVID pandemic. She enjoyed watching Fr. John Gatzak say Sunday and Holy Day masses on local television.
Evelyn was predeceased by her son, William, and nearly all of her numerous cousins of the Aiello, Heglund, Leggo, Marchuloniz, Misiewicz, Moscato, Taraskevich, and Yankowsi families. Evelyn is survived by her three sons, Thomas, Anthony, and Edward (Randy), Edward’s wife, Danielle, and her two cherished grandsons, David and Michael.
A viewing will be held at the John T. Bennett Funeral Home 91 N. Cliff Street, Ansonia from 9 to 10:45 a.m. immediately prior to the mass of Christian Burial which will be held at the Church of the Assumption 61 N. Cliff St., Ansonia at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Interment will take place at Mount St. Peter Cemetery 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby immediately following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Yale School of Nursing in honor of Evelyn and sent to “Yale School of Nursing Annual Fund, PO Box 803, New Haven, CT 06503.”
