Obituary of Valentina Charlap-Evans

Valentina Charlap-Evans, beloved wife of Joël Evans passed away Sunday September 14th at St. Luke's-Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Val spent over 30 years of her working life here in the Valley as a devoted musician and teacher. She served as principal violist of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, performing with some of the greatest classical music personalities of our time, and her teaching studio of viola students was an environment of love, joy and encouragement. Val had a remarkable career performing with the Festival Casals in Puerto Rico, The Calgary Philharmonic, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and The N.E. Pennsylvania Philharmonic. One of her greatest joys in life was directing and singing in the Choir of St. Gregory Orthodox Church, and her sweet natured and uplifting approach to directing provided a gentle, prayerful atmosphere for all. Valentina was also an accomplished iconographer. Her beautifully detailed and meticulous icons adorn the homes and churches of many of her friends and family. Val was totally devoted to her friends and family. She is survived by her parents, Eugenia and Vladimir Charlap of Montebello NY; her two sisters, Melanie Fedak and her husband Tim of Westminster, MD, and Claudia Gerbino and her husband Dennis of Monroe, NY; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews; and godchildren, Kathy Della Donna, Nicholas Warholak, Matthew Warholak, Christine Della Donna, Grayson and Maddy Della Donna. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Gregory Orthodox Church or The Hudson Valley Philharmonic. Visiting hours will be at St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church, 1500 Rte 376 Wappingers Falls from 4 to 7PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 with the Funeral Service beginning at 7PM. Divine Liturgy and Burial will be on Wednesday morning, September 17 at 10AM at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.