Evelina Manuela Panasuk

Celebrating The Life of Evelina Panasuk 

 

Sunrise: October 10,1955

Sunset: July 7, 2023

 

Evelina, fondly known as Corie to many, was born Evelina Manuela Cortes on October 10th, 1955. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, daughter to Eva Maria (Voss) Cortes and Edgar Fernando Cortes and was the oldest of five siblings. However, Evelina would tell you she was from Far Rockaway, NY, since that is where she grew up; along with her two sisters, Gloria and Melissa, and her two brothers, Edgar and Charles. 

 

Evelina attended St. Mary's elementary school in Far Rockaway. She went on to attend Stella Maris High School in Rockaway Park and graduated in 1973. The following two years, she studied Business Management at the College of Staten Island. She also spent a short time at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, where she began studying for Nursing. 

 

Evelina met her late husband, Junior, in the summer of 1973. They were married on August 31st, 1975 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea church in Far Rockaway. They were married for 44 years before his passing, and she always referred to him as "the love of her life, even in death". They shared three beautiful children together: Michael, Danielle, and Nicole. They were also blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren together: Sean, Alyssa, Skye, Olivia, Gianna, Kaelyn, Le'Ana, and Kameron. Evelina was recently blessed with a ninth grandchild named Kalani, and she spent as much time with her as she possibly could. 

 

Evelina Panasuk, AKA Evelina Cortes Panasuk, AKA Evelina Panasuk Gloria (if you know, you know), worked in the health-care field for more than 20 years, mostly working as a Medical Receptionist and Assistant Manager for a private practice in Far Rockaway and Cedarhurst. When she stopped working, she spent the latter part of her life doing what she loved the most; being a grandmother. She had a very special place in her heart for all of her grandchildren. 

 

Evelina had a smile that lit up a room, and a laugh that was infectious. You couldn't help but smile if she did, and her laugh alone made you laugh too. She wore her heart on her sleeve. She was the most forgiving woman. She provided a safe space for you to confide in her and to express any emotions you were feeling. She never missed an opportunity to let others know that she was thinking of them and that she loved them. Evelina loved her family and friends so completely profoundly. She often spoke of her late husband, her mother and her family, her father and his family (especially her Abuelita), and last but definitely not least her siblings, who all share a very special bond together. And she loved sharing those memories with her children and grandchildren.

 

The loss of our beloved Evelina has affected so many. Her sweet personality and enormous heart will be deeply missed, because to be loved by Evelina was to experience the most absolute unconditional and unwavering love imaginable. It was truly an honor to know her, to have her in your life, and to be loved by her.

 

Evelina Panasuk is survived by her children Michael (daughter-in-law Lorianne), Danielle, and Nicole (son-in-law Jermaine); her grandchildren Sean, Skye, Olivia, Gianna, Kaelyn, Le'Ana, Kameron and Kalani; her mother Eva Maria; her sisters Gloria and Melissa; her brother Edgar; and extended family member Samuel Rodriguez.