Matushka Evangeline Zarras, 84, of New Milford, CT, formerly of Sherman, and Trumbull, CT, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, April 13, 2025, passing peacefully in her sleep. In the days before, she was happily surrounded by family and loved ones.
Evangeline was born on April 24, 1940 in Bronx, NY, to the late Ulysses and Sophie (Papas) Rackages. She grew up in Floral Park NY, and graduated with a teaching degree from Hunter College in 1961. She met her predeceased husband, Deacon John Zarras, following an introduction from one of John’s sisters, Sia Arvans, who also attended Hunter. They married in 1962. Evangeline raised her family with John in East Northport, NY, Trumbull, CT, Indianapolis, IN, and Dayton, OH before returning back east to Trumbull and eventually retiring in Sherman, CT, where they enjoyed being a part of the Candlewood Lake community. They enjoyed traveling, particularly to visit family and friends. Highlights included: Greece with their children and grandchildren, Alaska, as well as Acadia, Yosemite, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. She was a faithful participant and leader in each of the churches she attended, working with the Sunday School programs, libraries, and book stores. Evangeline had a wide network of friends and was active in her community, including two book clubs and quilt club, and enjoyed both monthly lunches with her neighbors and weekly yoga.
Evangeline is survived by her and John’s 4 children, Dean Zarras and his wife Kirstin Townsend of Westport, CT; Theodore Zarras and his wife Stephanie of Warsaw, Poland; Peter Zarras and his wife Emily of Morris Plains, NJ; and Elizabeth MacNeil and her husband Justin of Needham, MA. She also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren: Alexia (Zarras) Cook and her husband Dan; Ben, and Tim Zarras; Anna, and John Zarras; Nicholas, Michael, and Lauren Zarras; and Katherine, Christopher, and Jake MacNeil. Evangeline was the beloved oldest sister of Dorothea Donus, and Diana (and Roger) Faaborg, and sister-in-law to Athanasia Arvans, Christine Draper, and Virginia Zarras, and beloved deceased brothers-in-laws Andy Arvans, Denis Draper, and Andrew Zarras.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 16, at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 1070 Roxbury Rd, Southbury, CT 06488. Burial will follow at St. John The Baptist Cemetery on Moose Hill Rd in Monroe. The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 15, at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT 06776.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, or to the St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary.
May Matushka Evangeline’s memory be eternal!