Jayne Evangelista

Jayne Catherine Evangelista, born on March 21, 1951, in West Long Branch, New Jersey peacefully entered eternal rest on November 22, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Pvt. First Class, Francis J. Mayer, Jr. (Satch); her sister, Lois Ann Reeves (Boogie); her mother, Lois Ernst Lindstrom (WoWo); her stepfather, George Lindstrom (Big Daddy) and her father Francis J. Mayer (Gink).

For the past 20 years Jayne shared her life with her devoted partner, Bob Russell creating countless cherished memories together cruising, watching FSU football games, Rays games and Bucs games, attending Krewe events, supporting and going to each and every activity of her grandchildren, watching Jeopardy, sharing the holidays and all of life’s joys and just simply being there for each other through it all.

She was the proud and loving mother of her only daughter, Donna Jayne D’Elia and the cherished and adoring grandmother aka “Nanny” to her grandchildren: Tyler Rocco Sampson, his wife Emily Faith Sampson; Isabella Francesca D’Elia and Olivia Gabrielle D’Elia, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life. Jayne is also survived by her cousins, Lisa McLean, Kris McLean and Megan McLean, and her beloved companion, Daisy (aka “Donna’s sister”).

Jayne lived a life dedicated to love, family, and service. A beloved mother, partner, and cherished “Nanny”, Jayne found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. She worked as an executive assistant to the President of an insurance company for most of her career, but her true passions were closer to home so she retired early to be the most amazing “Nanny” to her three grandchildren, Tyler, Isabella and Olivia. Jayne loved the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone events and did everything to the “nines” to celebrate them with those she loved. Her holiday meals and decorations were always something to behold and meant the world to her family as she made everything she touched special. She was a member of the Krewe of Les Belle Femmes and adored dressing up and participating in all of the Gasparilla festivities. Visiting family and friends in New Jersey was very important to Jayne and she often traveled up there for various occasions. She was an avid Florida State fan who cheered on her Seminoles with her sweetheart Bob and her beloved shih tzu, Daisy right beside her. Jayne was also a county music fan and could always be found front row in the pit right next to her daughter and best friend, Donna Jayne.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33609. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 11:00 AM, with a service to follow at 12:00 PM. A reception will take place immediately afterward.