Evelyn Florit

Evelyn Florit (nee Hoogmoed), age 71, of Prospect Park passed away peacefully on Sunday April 25, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Evelyn was born in Passaic and was raised in Hawthorne, NJ and was one of five children to Walter and Evelyn Hoogmoed.  Evelyn attended Hawthorne High School and graduated with the class of 1968.  Following her graduation from high school, Evelyn immediately enrolled in a vocational nursing school in Wayne which at the time was affiliated with St Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.  Evelyn, upon receiving certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse, accepted a position at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson where she was assigned to the Pediatrics Department.  Evelyn remained employed at St Joseph’s Hospital in the Pediatrics Department and was a respected and loved member of the staff for more than forty-four years.  Evelyn retired from her work with St Joseph’s Hospital in 2014.

Apart from living in Hawthorne, Evelyn also lived in Haledon where she welcomed the births of her three beautiful children, Thomas, Dawn, and Daniel while married to her first husband.  Later, Evelyn moved to Prospect Park where she fell in love and married her second husband Michael Florit on October 12, 1994.  Evelyn and Michael remained in Prospect Park for the rest of their lives together. Evelyn was always dedicated to her work in the field of pediatrics, and she was also dedicated to her Christian Faith as well.  However, aside from all her interests, her greatest passion was her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Evelyn than spending time with and providing for her family.  Her favorite events were barbeques at her home surrounded by friends and family.  Evelyn always felt the need to “touch her babies.”  She once made her husband Michael drive from Florida to New Jersey so that she would be able to give her son Thomas a hug on his birthday.

Growing up, Evelyn was always a little timid and shy, but as she got older she “came out of her shell,” so to speak and felt a growing concern for others.  She was always willing to help those in need and always did so with a smile on her face.  She never had a bad word to say about anyone and could constantly find positive outlooks on all situations and good in all people.  She donated regularly to a variety of different charities including Disabled American Veterans, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many others.  Throughout the years she enjoyed spoiling her children, her grandchildren, and her pets including her Parrot, Chihuahua, and her Great Dane.  Evelyn was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Michael Florit of Prospect Park, her son Thomas McGillis and his wife Christina of Sparrow Bush, NY, her daughter Dawn Marie Baker and her significant other Michael of Hamburg, her son Danial McGillis and his wife Jennifer of Paramus, four grandchildren; TJ McGillis currently attending Alfred University, James Baker, Abigail McGillis, and Kayla McGillis, one sister Marie Tenkate and her husband David of North Haledon, three brothers Walter Hoogmoed of Riverdale, Richard Hoogmoed and his wife Nancy of Hawthorne, and Arthur Hoogmoed and his wife Patricia of West Milford, one step-son Michael Florit and his wife Kim, two step-grandchildren; Shane Florit, and Christian Florit.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorials Processing 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Disabled American Veterans, 8 Veterans Plaza, Bergenfield, NJ 07621.