Evangelina Christi

My deepest condolences and prayers for a beautiful soul.

When I was in the 3rd grade my Aunt Jean came to visit New York for the first time in many years since living in Oklahoma for Uncle James’ work. We spoke by phone often and she would send me pencil sketches of European fortresses and silkscreen art of old cartoon characters she made special for me. She only stayed for four days and I remember that awfully sad feeling of her having to leave for the airport. I pleaded for her not to go and she promised she’d return much sooner this time. I asked for something of hers to leave behind so she handed me an old tattered black purse-one my mom quickly replaced with a much nicer one for her upcoming birthday. I carried that purse around until it became even more tattered and sad looking. It smelled like her perfume. I’d find myself retreating to the water fountain during class time to weep for almost a week after she left. Years later after Uncle Jim passed, she would ultimately move back to the city. Over multiple tragedies, Paul Anka, trauma, miscommunication, trips to Atlantic City, graduations, birthdays, and misunderstandings we bonded and also many times misaligned. She survived so many things and tolerated even more, but still managed to press on. She was known to most as pleasant and incredibly private, but I would describe her as an artist, a visionary, as well as vulnerable and trusting. Towards the end of her life, I did everything I could to fill some gaps, to create joy and to include her in as many memories as possible. It’ll never feel enough. Two years ago, I had her move close to us in Long Island and we’d share and spend more time together. I’d like to think whatever was unresolved in our relationship prior found its redemption. As I sit here trying to make sense of all of her personal affects and belongings, a nurse hands me her purse. And through my tears, I find myself chuckling thinking about how long I might carry this one and how much it still smells of her perfume. Evangelina Christi “Tita Jean” March 17, 1948-Jan 2, 2026. “Regrets, I've had a few. But then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do. And saw it through without exception. I planned each charted course. Each careful step along the byway. Oh, and more, much more than this, I did it my way.”

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.