Rhule, Evelyn M. (Sewell)

Evelyn M. Rhule, 86, of Windsor, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, January 23, 2023, at her home. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on February 28, 1936, daughter of the late Egbert E. and Gladys M. (Clarke) Sewell, she was raised in Kingston and migrated to the United States in 1976 and settled in Hartford.

While living in Jamaica, Evelyn worked as a florist, developed a following, and opened her own business while her children were young. After moving to the United States, Evelyn worked as a nurse's aide at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation in West Hartford. She also worked at Zayre and Ames in Bloomfield where her bright smile welcomed customers and friends each week. Most recently, Evelyn followed her passion for people and children and served as a receptionist at the Women's League Child Development Center in Hartford.

In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. She took many memorable cruises throughout the Caribbean, vacations worldwide, and day trips throughout the Northeast. A true fashionista, Evelyn was well-known for her impeccable appearance everywhere she went. Her trademark was her scarves and jewelry which she skillfully coordinated with every outfit. Proud of her West Indian heritage, Evelyn was a member of the West Indian Social Club of Hartford where she enjoyed meeting friends and attending dinners, parties and functions.

Throughout her life, Evelyn's central focus were her faith and her family. After moving to Hartford, Evelyn became a member of St. Monica's Episcopal Church where she sang in the Chancel Choir, served on the Usher Board, the Harvest and Parish Committees, and was a member of the Union of Black Episcopalians, serving several terms as secretary. Most of all, Evelyn took great pride in her family and enjoyed nothing more than relaxing at home with her children and grandchildren.

She leaves to mourn her passing, three children, Donna Rhule Ricketts, Patricia Rhule, and Gary A. Rhule, MD, all of Windsor; five grandchildren, Paul Archer and Trisha Archer, both of Windsor, Dominque Ricketts and wife Fione of Lake Worth, FL, Denzil Brandon Ricketts and partner Jacqueline of Windsor, and Daniel Ricketts and wife Brea of Houston, TX; three sisters, Ethel Sewell of Windsor, Norma E. Thomas of Bloomfield, and Rose Phillips and husband John of Windsor; 12 greatgrandchildren, Shaun, Tyler, Jaxon, Liam, Noah, BraeLyn, Brandon, Derrick, Jayla, Bella-Rose, Delilah, and Bailee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Caiden Rhule; a son, Christopher Anthony Rhule; a sister, Marjorie Stewart; and two brothers, Clarence George “Bunny” Sewell and Egbert E. “Steve” Sewell.

Her family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at St. Monica's Episcopal Church, 3575 Main St., Hartford. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Windsor.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Monica's Episcopal Church, 3575 Main St., Hartford, CT 06120; or to the JAHJAH Foundation (Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans At Home), 394 East 45th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11203 or by visiting, www.jahjahfoundation.org/donate.

The family has entrusted the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home with the arrangements. For online condolences please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com.