On July 17, Evelyn L. Larocque passed away in her home on St. Thomas. She was 75 years of age.
Born in Fulda, Germany, on Nov. 1, 1946, to Mildred and Joseph Lawsky, she immigrated with her family to the United States in 1949. Raised in Boston, Mass., she graduated from Jeremiah Burke High School and attended Northeastern University. Active in student and political groups during her college years, she also volunteered at Boston State Hospital’s adolescent unit as part of her educational endeavors.
Married to William Larocque from 1968 to 1978, the couple resided in Washington, D.C. where she worked as a meeting planner and administrator for the American Public Health Association. She then became co-owner of a restaurant in Washington, D.C. before relocating to the Virgin Islands in 1981.
For the next three decades, she operated several popular eateries on St. Thomas, including Rusty’s Roost, Delly Deck and the former Harbor Club in Port of Sale Mall. After making a career switch to office work, her infectious laughter and upbeat spirit enlivened the reception area at Just Cuts in Buccaneer Mall. Most recently, she was employed at St. Thomas Cargo.
In her personal life, her circle of friends was wide-ranging in age and from all walks of life. Particularly in her later years, she was able to fulfill many of her travel dreams — including several cruises which gave her the opportunity to connect with family members overseas.
She leaves behind a brother, Michael Lawsky; nephews: Joseph and Adam Lawsky of Atlanta, Ga., as well as many other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
A celebration of her life will be planned at a future date. Professional funeral services are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Cremation.
