Evelyn Covella Gay
Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 13, 1935Departed in Melbourne, Florida on December 22, 2018
Evelyn Covella Gay (Zayas) 83 of Melbourne, Fl passed away December 22, 2018 surrounded by her family. Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 13, 1935. Working many years in Jacksonville Fl as a Barber and at K-Mart before retiring to Barefoot Bay in 1994. While there she worked at Winn Dixie and Walmart. 2004 after losing her home to the hurricane she moved to Melbourne with her daughter. Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents Rafael & Catherine Zayas, brother Petty Officer 1st Class Frank Zayas (USN), spouse GySgt Joseph Covella (USMC KIA Vietnam), Son SSgt Joseph Covella, Jr. (USMC), granddaughter Alex Romero. She is survived by her children Grace Heusinkveld, Roxanna Barnes, Ralph Covella, Hopelee Owens (Randy Ecker); John Gay (Michele), Daughter-in-law Mary Covella. Evelyn (aka BIG G) had many grand, great grand, and great great-grandchildren. She was always so proud to be associated with the U.S. Marine Corps and other services and for having 2 children retire from the Marines, 1 son serve in the Navy, 1 grandson retire from the Air Force; 2 grandchildren who served in the Marines and Army; 2 great grandchildren who served as Marines and 2 great grandchildren now serving in the US Marines and Air Force. She was active with the traveling Vietnam Wall when it came to Melbourne every year (spending countless hours at the site), Toys for Tots, displays at Walmart honoring veterans during Memorial Day and Veterans Day, A member of the Gold Star Family, Spending more than 65 years volunteering with different military events and organizations. Evelyn never met a stranger. She was always willing to give to those in need. Crocheting Baby blankets to making diaper cakes for baby showers. In her early years she would sew and make dresses for her daughters for Rainbow girl events. She could always be counted on to be there and helping. She was loved by many. Mom/Big G “Rest in Peace. We will always love you, God Bless.”
There will be a Celebration of Life on January 5, 2019 @ 2:00 – 5:00 pm VFW, 4130 N. Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935 In lieu of Flowers the family ask that you make donations in memory of Evelyn Covella Gay to Veterans Transitional Facility 700 E. Fee Ave, Melbourne Fl 32901 or Five Star Veterans Center 40 Acme St., Jacksonville, Florida 32211. Donations of items (personal hygiene and cleaning supplies) can be brought to the Celebration of Life.
A private family inurnment will be scheduled at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
