Veronica Evora-Chernis

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee. God wanted me now; He set me FREE.

Life’s Journey

Veronica Ann Evora-Chernis, known to family and friends as “Ronnie” was born February 2, 1939 to the late Clarise and Julius Lee in Washington, DC. On the morning of October 3rd, 2022, Veronica, at the age of 83, passed away peacefully in Aventura, Florida alongside family. The eldest of three children,

Ronnie grew up in the Nations’ Capital and graduated from the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Thereafter, she attended Business School before journeying north to the cultural Mecca of Harlem USA. Fiercely independent, arriving by herself, Ronnie amassed an extremely close group of friends that would be in her life for decades. It was there she met and married Joseph Evora with whom she birthed the most perfect child, Heidi Elizabeth. They divorced but remained very good friends until his passing. Ronnie met and married the man with whom she would share her dreams, Paul Chernis, while the pair were working at the Securities and Exchange Commission. And after years of friendship, Ronnie married her Paul, her Soulmate, in 1990. After retiring from her position as Executive Assistant to Federal Judge Whitman Knapp, Ronnie, along with Paul, lived the “snowbird life” between New York City, East Hampton and Aventura, Fl, where she and Paul enjoyed precious time with their children, grandchildren , their Dobermans and a close knit of diverse friends.

Stylish and beautiful, Ronnie enjoyed the finest of clothing, art, decorating, and entertaining. Ronnie also enjoyed travel, her elaborate Dunbar reunions with BFF Frankie and her “Washington Crew”. Tremendously resilient, she survived a number of severe illnesses throughout her life, but always spared room to care for others, avidly supporting numerous charities and philanthropic interests. She was a no nonsense type a gal with an amazing sense of humor and loved to laugh.

After a life filled with beauty, bliss, and harmony, Ronnie was preceded in home-going by the love of her life, Paul, just one year earlier.

Ronnie is survived by her daughter Heidi Evora Santiago and son-law Edward Santiago, bonus children Leslie Diaz, Michael Chernis, Grand children Danielle Sacha, Michelle & Michael Francois and great grand daughter Brielle. She is also preceded in death by her mother, two sisters Toni Green and Patricia Lee. In addition she leaves to cherish her love and memories of her 5 neice’s Kim, Renee, Vicki, Debbi and Tanya, nephews Michael,Tony and Cory, Sister in law, Linda and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Poem from Heidi:

Though I am filled with sadness on this day, I thank God for you in every single way. I will forever cherish the memories we shared, and thank you for the abundance of unconditional love you bared. Our mother-daughter relationship started off rough, as a teenager, who would have thought we’d end up as, US, the best of friends, confidants, and stuff. I will always remember your soft beautiful smile, our belly laughs, and inseparable bond, but a piece of my heart will always be gone…I can’t believe you’re here no more, eternally the wind beneath my wings…. soar, Soar BeautiFLY, soar…Until we meet again….

Forever, Heidi

She is a mixture of fire and ice,

and everything in between.

Her honesty will make you think twice,

but there is so much more to be seen.

In her heart, she can feel so deeply,

so it can easily cause pain.

For her walls are built so steeply,

because there’s much for them to contain.

She has such beauty inside and out,

for you must open your eyes to see.

But she has her flaws, without a doubt,

for no one can be seen perfectly.

She is also filled with light and grace,

and helps others compassionately.

She often times feels she’s out of place,

but still lives her life passionately.

She does have her own hopes and dreams,

and she will make sure they all come true.

Even if things are hopeless it seems,

her faith will always come shining through.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With deep gratitude, the family expresses our thanks to each of you for the sympathy, love, and support you have extended to us during this time of loss. We shall never forget your love and kindness, as it shall serve as a constant reminder of God’s goodness toward us through you.

Love,

Heidi, Eddie, Michael & Leslie