Audrey Jill Evangelist

Audrey Jill Evangelist , 61, Of Rocky Mount, NC, (formerly Of Dunkirk, NY), passed away Sunday morning in her home. Jill was born on December 5, 1959 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late Eugene and Audrey Evangelist. Jill was raised in Greensburg, PA and after college she accepted a teaching position in the Dunkirk Public School system as a Special Education teacher, (K-12). Over the years she became a loving mother to her children. There wasn't anything that she would not do for them, she was the type of Mom that many would be grateful to have. During her life, she always found joy and happiness while taking her children to a sport or an activity. She was their best fan and supporter on the sidelines with her dear words of nothing but positive encouragement. She was always so proud of all her children, the career paths they choose and the success they accomplished along the way. Jill's demeanor and compassion as a Mother was a direct reflection of her children's accomplishments. She provided shelter to those who needed it and was also a host mother for three international students and two baseball players. Her passion and love for guiding the next generation of children extended outside of her family to all the students she has taught over the years. She had a patient manner about her teaching style that many educators were never able to exemplify like she did, if in comparison. The way she reached all students, even those that were not hers, and her compassion while she educated and positively impacted their lives, are unheard of. To be an educator is to be observant to each individual's needs and wants and what it takes to succeed. Miss, or Mom, as some would refer to her, noticed those in a hardship or a need. She constantly was a mother to others, providing them with sufficient clothing attire and school supplies they otherwise would have never been given. In all, she gave them the best gift anyone could, she gave them the motherly love that was unknown to them. There was never a dull moment when her and her siblings reunited for weekend visits, vacations and holidays. Whatever the situation was, there was nothing but constant laughter, the kind of inside jokes that siblings share and pranks amongst their inner circle. She adored and loved both of her parents who raised her to be the exceptional woman and role model that she was. She was interested in the same type of hobbies that her parents also enjoyed. Spending time with family on Lake Erie at her father's cottage; gardening and playing words games like her mother, are only naming a few. Although vacationing with her family in the Outer Banks in North Carolina was what she constantly looked forward to doing. Survivors include her daughters, Nikki Grossman (Matt Cawley) of Carnegie, PA, Courtney Keck Grossman (Shawna Bates) of Killeen, TX, Cassie (Tom) Ott of Roanoke, VA, son, Ty (Jaclyn Macho) Bernet of Canton, GA and stepson, Matthew (Amanda) Bernet; brothers, Gene Evangelist of Pittsburgh, PA, Vic (Bonnie) Evangelist of Akron, OH, sisters, Joyce Evangelist (Ajvix) of Tucson, AZ, and Dawnie (Wayne) Yusko of Jeanette, PA; grandchildren, Cameron and Layla Grossman, Addison and Greyson Ott, Alexis,Grace, Marisa and Nicholas Bernet; nephews, Brandon (Sarah) and Jordan Yusko, Jarrod and Justin Evangelist, Dante Ajvix; and niece Erin Evangelist-Nasewytewa. She impacted so many lives and will be missed dearly, although remaining in our hearts, our daily actions, and in our dreams.  A private burial was held at Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held later this year.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Special Olympics.  Fly with the angels and continue to guide all of us from above.  Jill’s family has entrusted her care to the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020 To share your memories and photos or to offer your condolences please visit us at www.pantalone.com Natale N. Pantalone, Supervisor.