Evelyn Valentine Boland (nee Webster)

Passed away peacefully at Glengarry Hospital. Predeceased by beloved husband Peter and brother Bruce. Survived by her loving children Kathleen (Greg), Grant (Gail), Sheila (Randy) and Blair (Kyle); grandchildren Owen, Fiona, Frank, Mark, Zach, Xana, Tory, Melanie, Shea, Molly, Liam and Josh; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marion; and niece and nephews.

Born in Drumheller, Alberta, Evelyn was raised in Kirriemuir, Scotland. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Evelyn went to Teacher’s College and taught briefly. Married in 1950, Peter and Evelyn immigrated with young Kathleen to Victoria, BC in 1954, embracing their new life in Canada and raising four children. They operated Boland’s Bakery in Oak Bay from 1964 to 1992. Following a week of hard work, they would spend many a relaxing weekend on their deck up at Qualicum Beach. Evelyn so enjoyed paddling in the pools with the young grandchildren and witnessing their excitement at sighting shells, crabs and other sea creatures. She delighted in spending time with her family and could always be spotted at their sporting events, usually with her special cushion for those hard bleachers. Evelyn had worked hard to keep her Scottish heritage alive for her children through playing reels for their dancing in the living room, cooking dishes like mince and tatties, reciting her Granny’s sayings, singing Scots lullabies and collecting Robbie Burns items for the dedicated room in their house. She had a quick mind, read widely and kept up with current affairs. Evelyn regularly corrected her children’s grammar, derived the meaning of words through the Latin she learned in school and often consulted a dictionary or encyclopaedia, skills that came in handy for solving crossword puzzles. Evelyn was a talented knitter and grandchildren sported sweater designs of Ninja Turtles, mermaids and dinosaurs. In retirement, Evelyn got to enjoy Peter’s home baking and cooking and had more time to take walks around her Oak Bay neighbourhood continually stopped by neighbours who missed Boland’s Bakery bread. There are fond memories of her own chocolate chip cookies and picking blackberries by the house. After Peter’s passing, Evelyn joined the Monterey Centre where she met a great support group of new friends and enjoyed participating in activities, especially carpet bowling which apparently brought out her competitive nature! Despite the health issues she faced in her later years, she remained the courteous and kind-hearted person she had always been. A tough act to follow.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Sluggett House, Gorge Hospital, Glengarry, along with the companions from Wendy’s Support Services for their care and compassion over the last number of years.

No service by request.

Flowers are gratefully declined – memorial donations may be made to the CNIB or Alzheimer Society of BC.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com