With family by her side, it is with gratitude and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, mother-in-law, nan, great nan, aunt, great aunt, sister-in-law and friend, at the age of 93 ½ years at the Tudor House Personal Care Home, Selkirk, MB., on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Left to grieve her are her children; Cheryl, Marilyn (Owen), Gordon (Jennifer), Brenda (Chris), grandchildren; Austin (Tina), Kyle, Justin (Kim), Tory (Briane), Jasmine (Greg), Richard (Lori), Nathan (Sam), Stella (Jaimie), Chloe (Willy), great grandchildren; Peyton, Blake, Cole, Merick, June, Drew, Ruby, Sadie, Hayes, Lane, Isaac, Nora, Matt, Joe, Lucy, Sophie, Ben and Lilly, brother-in-law Laverne (Ruth), sister-in-law’s Mabel and Sue, good friends Bev, Brian, Helen, Joyce, Doretta as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was predeceased by her parents Reuben and Sarah (Sadie) Begg, in-laws Manford and Violet Bracken, husband Gerald, her brother John, sister Beatrice, Dad’s 5 sisters and 7 of his brothers.
Mom was born December 17, 1931 in Selkirk and grew up in Old England, now known as Mapleton. After school she went to Winnipeg to learn hairdressing.
Mom and Dad met at a dance, as they both enjoyed old time music and dancing. They were married on a beautiful snowy evening, December 12, 1953 at the St. Clement’s Anglican Church in Mapleton.
Mom went from a single town gal to a hardworking, devoted farm wife and mother in record time. Home was at the mixed grain and dairy farm known as Brackendale Farm in Clandeboye, MB. Farming alongside dad’s brother Alvin, sister-in-law Mabel, children Linda, Wendy and Blair provided us with numerous opportunities for fun, togetherness and shared learning through sometimes, hard work. Our two families bonded in a closeness of love and respect that is not shared by many families.
Mom was very involved in the Clandeboye United Church and volunteered as a 4-H leader. She drove us to most of our sports, dance and music lessons as dad was busy with the farm. Mom also opened our home up to a couple of girls needing a place to live so that they could attend school.
In retirement, mom enjoyed playing cards, old time music, clogging into her 70’s, quilting, doing puzzles and playing bingo. Mostly just being with her family whenever it was possible was always the most important thing to her.
Mom felt truly blessed at age 50 when she became a “Nan.” When she earned the title of “Great Nan,” she was over the moon with gratitude. She dearly loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Our mom was a kind, loving, spiritual person with a really good sense of humor. She was our Rock. Her quiet gentle strength guided each of us through our own personal difficult times. Her love, support and devotion to Dad during his journey through dementia, was profound. She will be greatly missed by all of us, our families and friends.
We are at peace knowing mom and dad are reunited and with our grandparents, free from pain and uncertainty.
Mom, you will be Forever in Our Hearts and in our Memories. We love you mom, Rest in Peace.
We are tremendously grateful to all of mom’s Doctors, nurses, health care aides, home care workers and friends who loved and cared for mom over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clandeboye Community Hall, 111 Main Street, Clandeboye, MB., with Reverend Marilyn Anderson Corkum officiating. Honourary Pallbearers will be nieces: Linda, Wendy, Lorraine and family friend Dena.
If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Evelyn to:
Selkirk & District Community Foundation, “Families of the Clandeboye Cemetery Fund”, 200 Eaton Avenue, Selkirk, MB. R1A 0W6 OR
Alzheimer Memory Garden, C/O Tudor House PCH, 800 Manitoba Avenue, Selkirk, MB., R1A 2C9.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Evelyn’s memorial page using the comment field below.
