Evangeline Mazzotta

Evangeline Ruth Mazzotta passed away on December 3, 2025. She was born on January 5, 1930, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Benedetta and Gaetano Boccaccio. She was predeceased by her husband of sixty-six years, Jimmy (Vincent) Mazzotta, her parents, her brother, Paul Boccaccio, and eleven maternal aunts and uncles, with whom she shared her early life.

She leaves two daughters Deborah M. Prum (Bruce) and Susan Lanterman (Jeff). She leaves the following grandchildren and great grandchildren: Nathaniel Prum (Anna Kate), Eric Prum (Bianca), Ian Prum (Lizzie Banks), Jesse Robinson (Megan Fowler), Katelyn Southwell (George), Jamon Robinson, Britton Walker, Campbell Prum, Hayes Prum, Rosemary Prum, Celeste Prum, Lilia Prum, River Walker, Mage Walker, Dagny Fowler, and Marin Fowler. Three of Eva's siblings survive her: Josephine Richards, Mary Bowen and Thomas Boccaccio.

A profoundly devout believer, Eva stayed strong in her faith to the end. Daughter of a preacher (who was also a barber), Eva also became a leader in her church family, both locally and nationally, when she served on a 12-person committee for several years. Her life exemplified faith in action. Over the years, she generously donated to multiple charities and kept her home open to all who needed a place to stay.

Eva loved classical music and could identify most pieces after listening to just a few measures of a song. She enjoyed singing and took part in several choirs. She played French horn in high school. A highlight of her high school years was winning a spot in the All New England Regional Youth orchestra and traveling to Vermont to perform. Just before having children, Eva attended Central Connecticut State College, where she took classes in art and music. Eva and Jimmy loved square dancing and danced into their eighties. The two traveled the world together, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.

A cautious pinochle player, Eva rarely bid during a hand, even when she had the best possible cards. She simply did not like to take risks. Eva's playing style was the opposite of her husband. Jimmy frequently would make higher bids than he could possibly win. Their playing style mirrored their real-life behavior, which, fortunately, made them an excellent match for each other.

Eva read voraciously and seemed to know every obscure word in the dictionary, which made her a formidable Scrabble player. She once crushed her opponents by using all seven of her letters and placing the word 'QUARTZES' on a triple word score square.

As mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Eva remembered and acknowledged everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. She was remarkably considerate of others-sometimes to a fault. One time, she sat up all night with a broken arm because she didn't want to disturb anyone. She frequently stuck up for people who were slighted or left out, making a point to extend compassion. We will miss her terribly.

Many thanks to the staff at Our Lady of Peace and Hospice House, kind people who graciously journeyed alongside Eva during the last part of her life.

Memorial service details will be forthcoming.