Evangeline (Mosko) Christopher,of Westwood, formerly of Belmont, MA died in the early hours of Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Needham, MA. "Van", as she was affectionately known, was born Evangeline Moskovakis on November 14, 1923 on the island of Kalimnos, Greece to Dimitrios and Maria (Nikoaidi) Moskovakis. She was the beloved wife of the late Christopher (Chris) J. Christopher. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children John (Cheryl) of Norfolk, MA, Mary (Dr. James) Constantakis of Nassau, Bahamas, Deana (Joe) Neimann and James M. (Carlos Miranda) both of Westwood, MA. Devoted grandmother of Bryce Christopher, Nicole (Scott) Mraz, Megan and Phillip Christopher, Christopher (fiancee Sarah Wood) Constantakis, Joseph and Jonathan Neimann. Sister of George Mosko of Nassau, Bahamas, Calliope Nicolaides of Athens, Greece, and Ioana (John) Stowfis of Philadelphia, PA. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She was the sister-in-law of the late Irene Harris, Stella Mosko, and Paul Nicolaides. Having spent her early childhood in Greece, she immigrated as an Italian Citizen to the Bahamas, then a commonwealth of Great Britain, when she was 9 years old. Her secondary education was completed at Queens College and Cambridge University having received a General School Certificate. Van's adeptness with language earned her a top prize, a Shakespearan book, for "spoken" English, which was presented to her by The Duke of Windsor, then Governor of the Bahamas. After Van's father built the Church of Evangelismos in Nassau, it was often said that the Church was named after Van, but in her humility, she always rebutted that she was named after the Saint for which the church was named. Van's young adulthood took her to Washington D.C in 1946 where she lived with her maternal uncles Gus and George. It was during a trip for a wedding in Boston where she met Irene (Christopher) Harris, who introduced her to her brother, Chris, of Watertown, MA on March 25, 1946. Van's elegance and grace made her known simply as "Dimitri's daughter," in deference to her father. An engagement party for Chris and Van was held in Nassau that summer. It was no surprise then when Chris spoke to one of his friends of his engagement, the friend's reply was that he already knew Van from Washington, D.C. After their courtship, Chris and Van married on February 9, 1947 at the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. Following their marriage, they lived in Watertown, MA, Detroit, MI, and Nassau, Bahamas during which time their children John and Mary were born. Following their time in Nassau, Chris and Van returned to Watertown where they welcomed Deana and Jim to their growing family and eventually settled in Belmont. Van loved living in the Boston area where they raised their family. Their summers were spent at their home in Centerville, MA. Van and Chris took their children to Nassau for Christmas each year where they enjoyed the family bonds that Van and her family so deeply treasured. Naturalized a U. S. Citizen on March 10, 1969, Van continued to utilize her strong language skills and worked for the FBI in the 1970s as an English/Greek translator. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant for American Management Associates in Watertown, MA. Van spoke of her gratitude to the employees of American Management Associates where she was described by them as "the glue that held everyone together." She continued to work there following Chris' death in 1982 until her retirement in 1989. With a loving heart, she served in Annunciation Cathedral in Boston as part of the Ladies Philoptohos, and was Chair of the Church's White Elephant Booth at the Annual Greek Festival in Boston. Van Christopher was known for her resilience, especially in her childhood and after she was widowed at age 58. Facing adversity in a near death vehicle accident in 1989, Van was described as a "cat" having survived many health challenges that followed through the years. Known also for her "flawless" skin and "beautiful silky white hair", Van's devotion to her loving family, her children and grandchildren was the anchor of her joy. A consummate lady, Van's kind words and acts of loving kindness reached well beyond her family, having been the epitome of generosity to all she knew and loved. Being a guest in Van's home was a lesson in social grace, hospitality and proper etiquette. She gave to all from and open heart with both wonderful food and kind works. To Van, a guest in her home was a mark of honor and treated each guest accordingly. Strong in her convictions, she was always compelled to do the right thing in all situations. Her independent spirit and ability to meet the challenges she faced with dignity and uncompromising adaptation, defined her to the core of her being. She imparted the same in her children and grandchildren, and they are the living testament to her legacy. On June 9, 2011, the world lost a irreplaceable gem, but in Van's tradition of giving from the heart, it only serves to bridge those she loved closer to Heaven. For where Van goes, there too goes goodness and love. Now reunited with her beloved Chris, and her loving parents, her journey here on earth is complete. Amidst the tears and the sadness of all left to mourn, there stands a merciful God, and she rejoices in His glorious presence. Family visitation at the Faggas Funeral Home in Watertown, MA on Sunday, June 12, 2011. Funeral service on Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, MA; burial will follow in the Belmont, MA Cemetery. Pall Bearers will be Van's grandsons: Bryce Christopher, Christopher Constantakis, Joseph Neimann, Jonathan Neimann, Phillip Christopher, and Scott Mraz.