Evelyn DeCoursey, the president of the 110th Precinct Community Council for almost 10 years, passed away on Aug. 20, the NYPD said.
DeCoursey, a Corona resident, presided over Community Council meetings and helped to establish a strong relationship between cops and Corona and Elmhurst residents. She was 82.
“Evelyn was a pillar in the community,” said Janine Rivera, community affairs officer for the 110th Precinct. “Her significant contributions to the entire Corona/Elmhurst community and her police family at the 110th Precinct and throughout Patrol Borough Queens North will never be forgotten.”
Deputy Inspector Ronald Leyson, who used to be commanding officer of the 110th Precinct, spoke highly of DeCoursey and said she helped to “bridge the gap” between communities and the NYPD.
DeCoursey raised money for National Night Out, a yearly event aimed at creating stronger ties between the NYPD and residents, and held a Christmas party every December where Santa would hand out presents to children living in Elmhurst and Corona.
After the assassinations of Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos in December 2014, DeCoursey and the community council held a candlelight vigil at the precinct, he said. She also attended every Remembrance Ceremony held at the 110th Precinct to commemorate the victims of 9/11.
Leyson also asked DeCoursey to establish a Cop of the Month award ceremony every month along with a Cop of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and Civilian of the Year for the 110th Precinct.
“Any help I ever asked of her, she never hesitated,” Leyson said. “She was a blessing to the community and the NYPD. The loss of Evelyn is a void in the community that will be difficult, or impossible, to fill but the good she has done will live on through her selfless acts and volunteerism.”
According to Rivera, DeCoursey fell while she was volunteering at New York Queens Hospital and broke her jaw and several ribs. While she was recovering from those injuries she had several setbacks due to pre-existing medical conditions.
A viewing will be held on Aug. 23 at the Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home, located at 61-40 Woodhaven Blvd. in Rego Park. It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Aug. 24 at 9:45 a.m. at Resurrection Ascension Church located at 85-25 61st Rd. in Rego Park, followed by interment at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens.
