Evelyn Grace Head (nee Malnyk)
It is with great sadness that we, the family of Evelyn (Ev) Head announce her passing on June 17th, 2020 at the age of 88.
Mom is lovingly remembered by Bill, her husband of 63 years, her children Nancy (Kevin), Bill (Debra), Cynthia (Michael) and her grandchildren Emily and Jennifer. She also will be missed by her brothers, Edward (Mary) and Marvin (Shirley).
Mom was predeceased by her parents Peter and Julia Malnyk and her grandson Michael Sikora. She will also be lovingly remembered by her nieces and her nephews, sister-in-laws, and many friends; many of which were life long and others, more recent.
Evelyn was born on Nov. 27th, 1931 in Ethelbert, Manitoba. The family later moved to Winnipeg and resided on Edmonton street until Peter, leaving the RCMP, found employment with the Regina Police Department.
Mom was a kind and happy child, always exploring and making friends. After completing her public schooling she enrolled in secretarial college, where she completed her certificate. She found employment with the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina where she worked at the front desk. Mom was a dedicated employee - always friendly.
Eventually mom would move from Regina to Toronto, Ontario to work and live with her aunt Olga, her mother's sister. Mom later moved to Bermuda to work in the executive offices at a large hotel. She had many adventures, but missed her family, so she returned to Canada to live in Winnipeg. In Winnipeg she worked as an executive secretary with CBC Radio on Portage Ave.
"Some Enchanted Evening" is how Dad remembers meeting mom for the first time. They met at the Canoe Club dance. They married August 1957. They built their first house on Talon Bay and had three children: Nancy, Bill, and Cynthia. With their family expanding, they built a new home in St. James on Meadowlark Place.
Mom and Dad made many wonderful life-long friends. Mom volunteered in the library of her children's school. Together they also volunteered at Woodhaven Community Club - with Mom working in the canteen. The family became members of St. Andrews Anglican Church, where Mom volunteered.
Evelyn loved to play cards. She and Dad belonged to several bridge clubs - where she often won. Mom also had a huge passion for hockey and baseball. Together Bill and Evelyn planned many wonderful family trips. Most cherished were the annual summer camping trips into Alberta and British Columbia. Every summer Mom would pack up the trailer and Dad would drive us out to Yoho National Park (in the Canadian Rocky Mountains). Mom and Dad also travelled around the world, but Mom's heart was always back at home with her family.
She loved her family dearly. We were her greatest joy. Mom worked hard to provide us with a loving home.
Bill and Evelyn lived on Meadowlark Place for 51 years. They saw their children grow up, marry, and have their own children. Mom was the best Grandma. Always loving, always caring, always bubbly, spirited and fun. She was her grandchildren's most favourite person.
Mom and Dad would eventually sell their beloved home on Meadowlark and move into an apartment close to their daughters and grandchildren.
Evelyn fell ill very unexpectedly on the night of June 12th, after beating Dad at a game of cards. She would later pass away on June 17th, 2020.
We, her family, would like to express our sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their wonderful care of our mom. We would like to thank Mom's nurses and health care aides on GH6, and to Daniel for his immense compassion, care and guidance.
A private celebration of Mom's life has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date in Mom's honour.
Donations in Evelyn's name can be made to The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
You loved us with all your heart Mom, we will carry your love forever.