Huguette C. Evangelista
Huguette Evangelista, 86, of Auburn passed from this world on May 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 20, 1939, in Paris, France, Huguette was the cherished daughter of Lucien and Georgette Chenel. Her earliest memories were of WWII, the German occupation, and the liberation of Paris. These memories helped to shape her into the compassionate and generous person we knew. In 1956, Huguette married the love of her life, Mike Evangelista, who was serving at an Air Force base outside of Paris. After Mike’s enlistment ended in 1957, they returned to Mike’s home in Auburn, where they would build a life rich in love, family, and friends. Their union was blessed with four children: Elizabeth (Robert) Engl, Michael (Susan) Evangelista, Laurie (Mark) Becker, and the late Mary Evangelista Storms, whose passing, alongside her husband Mike, she mourned deeply.
Huguette's nurturing spirit was evident in every aspect of her life. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren - Jennifer (Jason) Mauk, Rachel (Robert) Taggert, Jaime (Reece) Willoughby, Derek Storms, Zachary (Janele) Storms, Anne Evangelista, Christine (Brian) Fowler, Matthew Becker, and Catherine Becker - were her pride and joy. She delighted in being a great-grandmother to Lexi and Emma Mauk, Hailey and Sidney Storms, Abbe Taggert, and Callan Michael Storms, showering them with affection and sewn and knitted treasures.
Education was a significant part of Huguette's life. She graduated with the equivalent of an associate's degree from Le Lycée Paris, an achievement that laid the foundation for her career as a French teacher. In the early 1960s, she shared her love of language and culture with students at Skaneateles High School and later as a substitute at Auburn High School. She also brought her creativity and warmth to JoAnn Fabrics in Auburn, where she worked for many years.
A talented cook and seamstress, Huguette filled her home with delicious meals and lovingly crafted clothing for her children and grandchildren, including beautiful dresses for Christmas, graduations, and proms. Her knitting needles were seldom still, as she created blankets, sweaters, and scarves, even teaching her Hospice aide the craft until her final days.
Huguette was predeceased by her daughter Mary, her husband Mike, and her brother Claude Chenel. She leaves behind her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her cherished sister-in-law Danielle Chenel, numerous nephews and nieces, and many close friends who became part of her extended family.
Huguette was an active member of Holy Family Church for nearly 70 years, where she found a second family among her fellow parishioners. Her commitment to her faith and her community was unwavering, and she cherished the friendships she made there.
Huguette Evangelista's life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and faith. Her nurturing spirit and joyful heart touched everyone she met, creating special memories for all who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we hold her memory dear and celebrate a life well-lived.
Calling hours will be on Monday, June 1, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Farrell’s Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be made to a local Hospice center or Matthew House in gratitude for the care and compassion provided during Huguette's final journey.