Mary Jane Evans

Mary Jane Evans
Mary Jane (Basile) Evans, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Saint Mary's Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late Raymond Evans.
Born in Waterbury on November 18, 1933, Mary Jane was the daughter of the late Domenic and Filomena "Florence" (Rainone) Basile. She was a graduate of Wilby High School, graduating with honors. Mary Jane worked as an insurance agent with A.J. Tilden Insurance Agency for over 40 years before her retirement. Deeply proud of her career, she was a trailblazer in the local insurance industry, becoming the first woman to achieve several prestigious awards, including being named Insurance Woman of the Year.
Devout in her faith, Mary Jane served as a Eucharistic Minister at her beloved parish, St. Lucy's Church. She also served at the Madonna Della Libera with the Cercemaggiore Club, where she was a dedicated member of the Cercemaggiore Women's Auxiliary. A lifelong DEMAFLAPS member, Mary Jane formed many enduring friendships through her social clubs.
A true world traveler, she explored Europe and many tropical islands and was a passionate champion of the cruising industry, traveling to countless unforgettable destinations. A talented seamstress, she took great pride in replicating the outfits featured in high fashion magazines as well as any creative challenge that came her way. An active bowler well into her 80's, Mary Jane participated in several leagues at Perillo's Bowling Lanes. Above all else, Mary Jane was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, aunt and godmother. She was especially proud of her granddaughter, Nonnie's Precious Angel, Raeya, and never missed an opportunity to support her at sporting events.
Mary Jane is survived by her daughter Kenda Evans of Oakville. She was the proud nonnie of her granddaughter Raeya Lynn Dandonoli. She also leaves her brother Vincent Basile and his wife Anna of Oakville, her sister-in-law Sheila Basile of Waterbury, her nieces and nephews Domenic Basile, Warren Basile and wife Lori, Alison Mirando and her husband John and Declan Basile, and the Evans/Nocera family as well as many cousins and over 30 godchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Anthony Basile.
Mary Jane's funeral will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury to St. John the Evangelist Church in Watertown for a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Family and friends may visit with the family on Friday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Cercemaggiore Ladies Auxiliary will be meeting at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Mary Jane's name may be made to: Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, 40 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524 or online www.atonementfriars.org/make-a-donation/. To sign the online guestbook or to leave online condolences, please visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.