Born in the Bronx, NY on November 22, 1953, Evette graduated Walton High School (where she was a star member of the Synchronized Swimming Team and a speed walker on the Track Team) in 1971. Later, she attended Cooper Union in NYC and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering. She was one of 5 women in a class of 500 men. While at college she was on the Rifle Team.
Evette loved dancing and it was through her love of dance that she met John Toulis at Roseland Ballroom in NYC. He asked her to dance and they never stopped. Evette married John Toulis at St. Demetrios Greek Church in Astoria, NY on October 27, 1979.
Over the course of her life Evette worked many different jobs (even briefly as a mail carrier for the United States Post Office). Evette obtained her Professional Engineering license and took on lead roles in her department. After September 11, 2001, Evette became part of a carefully selected group of engineers working in downtown Manhattan who were tasked to assist with the NYC Route 9A Rebuilding project in Lower Manhattan for which she was very proud of. She retired from New York State Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer in May of 2018 with 24 years of service.
An accomplished, smart, strong woman, she never took herself too seriously, putting people at ease wherever she went. She lived her life with constant kindness. Her wit and humor were a treat to be around. The cadence of her voice, her facial expressions and her delivery made listening to her tales, whether about adventures abroad with John, or memories of her childhood, a treat for the listener. She loved cooking and feeding the masses, hiking, camping, snorkeling, reading, and biking. She had a love for life and adventure and enjoyed happiness wherever she found it. She had the heart of a traveler, but her 7 grandkids were really her favorite world. Of all the places she could be, she always wanted to be with family most of all. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother “YiaYia” and friend we could have asked for and we will miss her with all of our hearts. Her memory will be eternal.
Evette is survived by her husband John Toulis, and daughters Angelica (Toulis) Johnson, Anastasia (Toulis) Hosdale, Georgette (Toulis) D’Andraia, Victoria Toulis, her two brothers Jerry and Michael Soucie, and her seven grandchildren.
A visitation will held Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 5pm - 7pm with a Trisagion service at 6pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, 27612. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 21st at 11am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery to follow.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.
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