Eva passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023 in Victoria, BC, with her husband and children at her side. She was born on December 3, 1936 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the 5th youngest of 15 children.
Eva is survived by her husband of 65 years, John, son Kirk (Susan), and daughters Karla, Kyra (Chris) and Kim, 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grand children and many other family and friends. She is pre-deceased by her daughter Kelly. Eva will be dearly missed by all.
Eva was born into a large, farm family in Osler Saskatchewan. She helped her family survive the post-depression years by living off the land. She learned how to bake, cook and knit from her mother and older siblings. Her family eventually moved to the city (Saskatoon) into a very small, modest, 2-story house, with Eva sharing a bedroom with a number of her sisters.
Eva first met John shortly after he immigrated to Canada in 1956. An ice cream order for himself and his construction coworkers brought him to the store where she worked, with barely a word of English in his vocabulary. Strapping John caught her eye! John learned English quickly, and eventually returned to the skilled trade (butcher) he learned in his homeland (Germany), landing a job at Intercontinental Packers, where, unbeknownst to him, Eva was now also working. They met again there, and soon after, fell in love!
They married in 1958 and started their family a year later. Eva and John moved to Victoria in 1969, where they settled and raised their 5 children. Eva was the matriarch of the family, and a devout Christian. She loved entertaining, baking, cooking, bowling, knitting, ceramics, mah-jong, word games, bingo, listening to Christian music, talking to family and friends on the phone and going south to Mesa Arizona, with husband John, in the winter months. Mostly, Eva loved her family, and looking after the love of her life, John. Eva’s infectious smile, great sense of humor and kind, loving heart made it easy to want to be near her.
Our family would like to thank the nursing & care staff (Sofia & Penny) and doctors at VGH, who provided Eva with care and comfort during her brief stay in hospital. Their personal touch was greatly appreciated!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colwood Church at https://www.colwoodchurch.com/giving
A joint Celebration of Life will be held at the Colwood Church – 2250 Sooke Rd. Victoria, BC – on July 9, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00pm for both Eva, and her daughter, Kelly, who passed away December 25, 2022.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lori Wilson
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Janet MacDougall John, Kirk, Karla, Kyra, Kim and families. I am so sorry for your loss of your precious mom and wife. Your mom helped me so much when I had my 2 boys. So many tips on how to handle a tiny baby. I would come sit in your moms kitchen and chat for hours while your dad and my ex husband would go golfing. I lost touch with your mom and I really missed our talks at the kitchen table. Your mom reached out to me during the lock-down and I was so happy to her her voice; I did recognize her voice after so many years. We were going to get together when the lock-down was over but sadly we never did. I so wish we had. I have so many memories of your dear mom. My heart aches for you family. Remember all the special times you had with your mom; she is with Kelly now and I know they are watching over your whole family. I hope I will be able to come to the celebration of life for your mom and Kelly. I will bring my sister Carol.
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Dean Driedger So sorry for the loss of your mom and sister
I remember so many things from VICTORIA when I was young
And all positive with our families
Take care all of you guys
Dean
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Your loving daughter Kyra Mom, our hearts broke the day you left us. I could never imagine you not in my life, and now I know why. It’s just too painful to be here without you. You are the rock and glue that held our family together, and I want to thank you for showing us how important family is.
You were an amazing wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. You always put your family first, and we will be forever grateful that we had you in our lives.
Say Hi to our sweet sister for us. We love you so very much Mom. Our lives will never be the same without you. We are keeping the promise we made you. ♥️
Condolences, hugs & love to all of Eva’s family.
She was always so kind to me at the bowling lanes & we had great conversations.