Evelyn’s Legacy of Love: Obituary
EVELYN LOUISE LETELLIER, 71, a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed unexpectedly, on January 29, 2024, at Staten Island University hospital. Born August 22, 1952, in Middletown, CT the daughter of Benjamin and Thelma Hodges.
After graduating from high school in Hartford Connecticut, Evelyn and her first-born Larry C. Harris Jr. decided to move to Brooklyn, New York. While pursuing higher education and professional growth, she later gave birth to her daughter, Abeba Bello. Evelyn was one smart Cookie (her nickname), an expert at numbers. She was the first black payroll manager for the Hartford Courant, she kept the same title for The Museum of History (with former astronauts on the payroll), VP at Citigroup headquarters on Wall Street and her longest tenure of over 15 years Barnes & Noble college division. Evelyn battled and persevered with terminal cancer, where she was only given 3 months to live. After winning her battle with cancer, she was blessed with her first granddaughter Lauren J. Harris in February 2000. GOD proceeded to bless Evelyn 5 more times and she was able to meet her grandchildren, Hunter H. Harris, Saniyah Glenn-Bello Andre Bello Mbele, Austin Bello, and Cali Evelyn Bouko Bello. She loved watching her grandkids excel in school and life, from her oldest grandkids graduating from high school and attending college, one of her proudest moments was when Saniyah committed to Harvard university. In early 2022, Evelyn finally retired and became a full-time Mima. She worked extensively on homework and extracurricular activities with her grandchildren. Basketball was her favorite sport, starting with Larry to Abeba to her grandchildren. Evelyn was a very dedicated Mima, accomplishing things on and off the court, no matter the time of the day or how she felt, she was there to either support. She would drive or fly with her grandchildren to practices and games, even traveling the country to events.
Evelyn in spirit was humble and kindhearted. She had an infectious personality and loved striking a conversation with anyone she encountered. Family meant everything to Evelyn, when around her or on our family trips she would engage in her favorite pastime, which was talking about her family in Connecticut, her parents, and what it was like growing up there. From growing up on Clark Street, to the Hodges & Sons store, her father’s motorcycle and let us not forget all the properties her father owned and built. She enjoyed debating about politics and sports. She enjoyed family gatherings at her house, especially on Sundays. Her home was a necessary stop on holidays and to welcome people from around the world to her family.
Evelyn was very active and always looking for new accomplishments. She was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Thelma Hodges, her brothers, Benjamin (Benny) Hodges Jr., Alan (Mike) Hodges, Ellis (Buddy) Hodges, Arnold Trice, and sister Rosalee (Sheila) Hodges.
Evelyn leaves to cherish her everlasting memories with her son Larry Harris and daughter Abeba Bello, her six grandchildren, Lauren Harris, Hunter Harris, Saniyah Glenn-Bello, Andre Bello Mbele, Austin Bello Mbele and Cali Evelyn Bouko Bello, her brother Ronald Hodges sister Darline (Trice) Mitchell. Family by marriage, the Letellier’s, the Harris, the Lewis’s, the Ramos’s and the Bello’s, and a host of nephews, relatives, dear friends and loved ones. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she has touched.
Evelyn’s Legacy of Love service and remembrance will be held at Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home, 1289 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302 from 12pm -4pm. Followed by the repass at Immanuel Union Church, 693 Jewett Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314 from 4pm-8pm
Zoom will be available for the services.
Meeting ID: 346 809 0906
Passcode: Funeral
Service
Viewing
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Saturday, February 10, 2024
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Service
Cherubini McInerney Funeral Home
1289 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302
Saturday, February 10, 20242:00pm - 4:00pm
Repass
Immanuel Union Church
693 Jewett Ave, Staten Island, New York 10314
Saturday, February 10, 20244:00pm - 8:00pm
Phil Watson says
My condolences to my good friend Larry and his family.
With his mother, Ms. Letellier’s, unfortunate departure, this is indeed a painful loss and times like this are never easy,… but with the family’s togetherness and God, they will persevere and weather this storm.
Praying for strength and comfort for the family in this time.
Paula Nicolas says
My Condolences to the family. May God wrap his loving arms around the family. And comfort them during this time. God bless you all.
Allen E. Hodges II says
Greetings Cousin Larry, Abeba, family and others. I smile when I think of aunt Evelyn for many reasons. As a child I could always try new foods when I went upstairs to eat at aunties house, I discovered and grew my knowledge and love of reading and comics thanks to Aunt Evelyn (and a little to cousin larry). First time I tried beer, New York aunt Evelyn house. Not to mention the “I see your hiney” song that has and forever will stick with me. In many ways direct and indirect you have encouraged my growth and motivation. Your greatness shows in the lives of the people you have touched.
You leave here for a different family reunion now.
Alice Jones says
To my big lil’ brother,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Since the day we met, back when you were just a very young man (I mean you had to be at least 12 or so (wink wink), you have done nothing but praise how your mother raised you. And, my friend, it has shown in every laugh we’ve shared, every challenge we’ve faced, and every phone call we’ve ever had and there have been many.
I only had the opportunity to meet your mother once, but in that brief time, it was crystal clear that you were raised to be respectful to your elders. I offer my deepest condolences to your family and you.
Know that I am here for you, just as she always was. For advice (of questionable quality), for support (unwavering), and memories (both reverent and ridiculously funny). We’ll navigate this together, celebrating her legacy in the way we live our lives and the kindness she instilled in you.
Michael Toney says
Hi Larry,
I just wanted to extend my condolences to you and your family. I may be in a different state but you are always family. God must have needed an Angel and may she forever rest in peace…
Chandra Seeram says
If anyone is as lucky as I am to have a dear friend for 40 years+, please treasure it. I met Evelyn in 1983 when I joined Credit-Suisse. Abeba was a baby & Larry a few years old. We took an immediate liking to each other and became instant friends. After leaving Credit-Suisse, she joined Citibank across the street– we had lunch together everyday. We stayed friends through good and bad times.
Evelyn was the first American my husband Anand met, as she picked him up from the airport when he arrived to the country. She and Abeba were at our wedding. She made sure Larry helped us move to Staten Island with our six-month-old triplets, Ananda, Breyanka, Chet. Ev and Abeba came to our house every weekend to help with the triplets, but she stayed for the food. She loved my cook-up rice, curry, and of course lots of hot pepper sauce. She knew my entire family and everyone sends their condolences. Ev loved her family in Connecticut and spoke of them a lot. She was a loving and giving person who never asked for anything in return. Ev stopped by my house a few months ago just because she was in the neighborhood. We had a really nice, long conversation over some tea.
Ev, thank you for your beautiful friendship, which I will treasure forever. Rest in peace my dearest friend, and I love you more.
Karen McLean says
Evelyn, I will miss your quick wit, energy, tenacity, and love of family. I recall our trip to Hampton University to drop off Abeba and relished in the fun and memories on that journey. You made it happen for you and your children and grands. Sleep easy cuz.
Gbwel Patrick says
Toutes mes condoléances la famille, Melyne et moi sommes très attristé d’avoir appris que Mima n’était plus parmi nous.
En très peu de temps Mima nous a témoigné d’un véritable amour de la famille, elle adorait avoir des conversations, faire des repas de famille, même si mon anglais était mauvais elle continuait à communiquer avec moi, la barrière de la langue n’était pas un frein pour elle. Pour mon premier séjour au New Jersey avec ma fille, elle nous a toujours bien accueilli et prouver une véritable hospitalité, c’est une femme au grand cœur, après notre retour sur Paris, j’ai pu l’avoir au téléphone jusqu’à cette nuit où Hervé me l’avait passé et j’ai pu la saluer sans imaginer que c’était la dernière fois.
J’ai une grande pensée pour Abeba, Hervé et tout les autres membres de la famille, que dieu vous bénisse tous et vous aide à traverser la douleur, et l’absence de Mima. Quoiqu’il en soit elle vivra dans nos cœurs.
Que Mima repose en paix.
Patrick et Melyne
Hope warnett says
My deepest condolences to my friend Larry, his kids and the entire family. My prayers are with you
Sean Watson says
As we’re all on that thing they call “The journey of life”, we will all experience the loss of our close friends and family members, BUT there is no loss as heartfelt as the loss of one’s mother. This is the only individual that has intimately known us from before we took our first breaths of life, and because of that special bond, when she is no longer with us, it brings a deep, gut-felt sorrow like no other.
As you make it through the upcoming days, weeks and months, take comfort in knowing that Mom is still with you, she just does it now in her new role as your guardian angel.
Vinny Miletti says
I didn’t have the greatest relationship with my mom. A tight bond with mom is an amazing thing, and the only things in this world that will love you unconditionally are are your dog and mom. We mourn for you today because the loss is devastating, death is never a welcome thing. But something I have said for years, “one day we will all be together, but until then be ready for whatever.”
My condolences to the family and I hope the healing process is painless and proper.
Woodley Lucien says
My condolences to the family. I do not know her but I know her son. He’s a great man, so she must be a great woman.
Jeff says
My condolences Larry & Abeba
Your mom will be missed
Michelle Lopez says
My deepest condolences to the family.
BELLO MBELE STEPHANE says
Je tenais à présenter mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille, je suis de tout cœur avec vous durant cette épreuve.
Que DIEU vous réconforte, vous donne la force et le courage de surmonter cette perte.
Je garderai d’elle d’excellents souvenirs, que Mima « EVELYN LOUISE » repose en paix et que le Seigneur lui pardonne ces péchés.
Michele Hanna says
My deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers.
Celia Anderson says
Rest in peace mama Evelyn. We are praying for and we love you Niya and Beba.
Love,
The Andersons
Brigit & Elesha says
Dear Larry
Please do accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences . This journey will be a hard one to travel. I know your love and respect for your Mom was beautiful . You were a fine son , please let it give you some peace that you made her happy and proud. I pray that God will hold you and your family so close to Him and comfort your hearts in moments that it hits hardest. May God give you all the strength to get through this difficult loss. Sending so much love to Lauren and Hunter ..
“ A Mother Hold Their Children Hands For a While But Their Hearts Forever”
Belen Godoy says
My sincere condolences for your loss. I enjoyed your company and the few times we went out. Her family was the most important thing in her life.
Evelyn, my neighbor, you’ll be miss. God has you in Heaven. Descansa en paz, mi amiga.
Pablo Gonzalez says
My deepest sympathy to your family for your loss wishing you all peace, courage, and love throughout this difficult time of sorrow. 🙏🏾🌹
claire larece says
Hi Abeba and Larry,
I’m very sorry for the loss of your mom. You guys great mom and she raised you both so well. R.I.P on her journey to her next life
Hasina Letellier says
I’ve learned so much from you. Your strong spirit will be missed ❤️
Breyanka Seeram says
Rest easy Evelyn. The love and emotion and true feeling of togetherness you brought to everyone in your life outshined the grief felt today at your services, for ALL of those who attended. It was difficult to hold back the tears, and respect your “no tears, don’t you dare cry” mentality. Thank you for being the person you were— for you and Abeba spending so much time with us when we were little, being a part of my family since day one, and being such an incredible joy and light of a friend to my mom for over 4 decades. You were and will always be the matriarch of such a beautiful family, and I see YOU in every single one of your children and grandchildren, in one way or another. It was truly an honor to have you in my mother’s and our family’s life. Such a strong, charismatic woman. We will miss you forever, RIP 💛
Michelle Boseman says
Sending my sincere condolences to the entire family on your loss. I grew up with the Hodges family in Middletown and Hartford Connecticut. I was around when Evelyn had her first child Larry Jr. I was a frequent visitor at their home on Garden Street and the Hodges Variety Store. Evelyn,Benny,Shiela Michael and i were very close back in the day. Over the years we we lost contact as we moved on in our personal life. The last time i saw Evelyn was at her brother Michael’s service. May Evelyn rest in Heavenly peace and prayers sent for comfort and healing to the family.
Brenda Foster says
My condolences to you, Larry and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry for you lose. 🙏
Brenda Foster says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to Larry and the family. R.I.P. Evelyn 🙏