Evelyn Catherine Velez Suarez, 66, of New York, passed away at the Greens of Hickory on Thursday, December 5, 2024, following a period of declining health.
Evelyn was born March 24, 1958 in Kings County, NY, a daughter of the late Emilio and Diana Castro Velez. Evelyn was an artistic soul, and she loved to create works of art centered around her Puerto Rican heritage and her fondness for mermaids. She was also a passionate dancer and too pride in being a hair stylist and makeup artist. She was a teacher for many years, primarily with the Archdiocese of New York. She loved teaching and loved her students.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Antonio Suarez (Stephanie Ortiz); granddaughter, Phoenix Ortiz; brother, Emilio Velez, Jr.; sisters, Diana Aponte and Jasmine Almonte; sisters-in-law, Leticia Cruz and Lisa Suarez; brother-in-law, Richard Suarez; nephews, Emilio, Joshua, Peter, and Jonathan; and nieces, Danielle, Taylor, Liza, and Jenny.
The family will hold a private funeral service at a later date.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory will be assisting the Suarez family.
One of my most favorite art teachers at St.Philip Neri. She taught me my primary colors, and created one of my first relationships toward Frida Khalo. Sending thoughts, love, and prayers to the family!
I’ll never forget how much she would express her love for Frida Kahlo. She was always passionate to teach art during my time with her from K-8th grade at SPN. It’s unbelievable to hear that she’s gone. She has definitely left an impact of her students, especially those who have an artistic soul. My deepest condolences to her family. May she rest in peace. 💔
It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the passing of Miss Evelyn Suarez, my beloved art teacher at St. Philip Neri. Miss Suarez wasn’t just a teacher; she was a force of creativity, passion, and warmth. She was obsessed with the color green and found endless inspiration in the life and work of Frida Kahlo, which she shared with us in ways that made us see the world differently.
Miss Suarez was the kind of teacher you never forget. She had her favorites—students she would whisk away in the middle of the day to help her in her chaotic art room, not caring what other teachers thought. She taught us little things like tearing tape apart with our thumbs, but it was never just about the task; it was about learning patience, resourcefulness, and finding joy in the process.
Her art room was often a beautiful mess, and when she was overwhelmed, a small group of us—her chosen ones—would surprise her by organizing it all. I’ll never forget the look on her face, tears streaming down as she thanked us with so much love in her voice. She made you feel important, seen, and loved.
Miss Suarez’s energy, her laughter, her tears of joy—those moments will stay with me forever. She was the best they could have ever been. I wish I could tell her just one more time how much she meant to me and so many others. Rest in peace, Miss Suarez. The world feels a little less colorful without you in it.
Whenever I find myself reminiscing on my time at SPN, I always go back to Ms. Suarez’s art class. I fondly remember moments of music, laughter, and beautiful colors in her classroom. She always made her students feel welcome and encouraged our passions. She was one of those teachers that noticed in a fire in you that you didn’t even know you had. I was never a child who enjoyed extracurriculars, but I had to sign up to be in her Art Club after school. Her passion was contagious and it will continue to live on through the lives of her students. May she rest peacefully.