Obituary of Deann A. Evangelist

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Deann (Dee) Angela Evangelist, 88, announce her peaceful passing on December 24, 2025. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Theodore and Teresa Evangelist, as well as, her dear friend, Kathy Keeler. Dee was a prominent educator who dedicated her career to student success and special education. She received her BS in Education and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and began her career as an elementary teacher. She earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of Rochester and served numerous leadership roles, including Principal in Rush-Henrietta and Gates-Chili School Districts, and Director of Special Education and Auxiliary Services at Churchville-Chili School District. Additionally, she served as an Assistant Professor, and Director of Student Teaching in Rochester, at SUNY Cortland, and Assistant Professor of Education at Nazareth University. Dee was known for her great kindness, keen sense of humor and love of nature and was a long-time member of Wildwood Country Club. She was devoted to her friends "The Ladies from Hell" who loved to golf, gamble and travel together. She loved all creatures, especially her cats, and the birds that she fed and tracked. Her home was always open to her Virginia family; sister Jackie Hafner, brother-in-law Frederick "Fritz" Hafner; nieces and nephews, Frederick, Cathy (Mark), Jay (Kim), Theodore, Mary Pat (WJ), and Stephen (Hasina) who loved visiting at Thanksgiving and being spoiled by Aunt Dee. Her great-nieces and nephews enjoyed her friendship, interest and sense of humor The family would like to thank the exceptional 4N staff at the Episcopal Church Home in Rochester who compassionately cared for Dee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, at 10AM, at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mendon, followed by burial at the Pine Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dee's memory to Lollypop Farm (the Humane Society of Rochester) or a charity of your choice.