With deep and profound sadness, Evelyn Joy Villanova (nee’ Fleishman), a long-time resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023 with her loving husband, John, at her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in the Bronx, New York on February 17, 1954 to Myron and Rose Fleishman, she graduated from Evander Childs High School in 1972.
In 1987, she met her husband, John, whom she went on to marry in 1990 on the beach in the Florida Keys, a favorite and frequent destination.
Evelyn will be most remembered for her zest for life, her irrepressible exuberance, her insatiable curiosity and passion for all things vintage, in particular, films of the 40s and 50s era. She enjoyed a myriad of interests, but she was most impassioned about the welfare of animals and supported a number of organizations dedicated to that cause. And the many cats she and John rescued over the years were testament to her personal love for animals. A very close second to her love for animals was her love for books. She was not merely an avid reader, but her literary interest evolved into the art of book collecting. She was completely self-taught in all the aspects of that pursuit.
Her life was marked with many long-time, unwavering friendships, superseded only by her fervent bond with her beloved mother. Her loved ones were always paramount. She will be very sorely missed, but will live on forever in our hearts.
She is survived by her devoted husband, John, her brother, Nelson (Anita), her nieces, Lisi Fleishman-Carey (Bill), Lori Dorr (Paul), Sydney Lesniewski, two grand-nieces and a grand-nephew. She was predeceased by both of her parents.
Visitation will be held at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St, Stamford, on May 20, 2023, between the hours of 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Interment and a brief service will follow on May 22, 2023 at 10:30am at the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to her favored charity, the International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW), 290 Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675, or through their website.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5