Obituaries

ANNA RUTH EVANS (née MacKillop)

With sadness and love, we announce the passing of Anna, at the age of 95, on October 13, 2025, at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She leaves behind a legacy anchored on the things she cherished most: family and friendship.

Anna will be lovingly remembered by her children Paula Evans Nash and Bruce Evans, and her son-in-law Gordon Nash. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Trevor (Lynne), Lauren (Brandon), Conner (Alana) and Courtney, and a cherished great-grandmother to Cayden, Logan, Leo and Stella, each of whom held a very special place in her heart.

She will be fondly missed by Catherine Hill Evans (mother of Conner and Courtney Evans), her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bobby and Margie Evans, and her nieces and nephews in the Thompson family (Keith & Brenda) and the Evans family (Arthur, Debra, Darren and Rick). Also mourning her passing is her dear friend, Bette Brown, whose love and steadfast support were a blessing in Anna’s life.

Anna was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John “Herkie” Evans in 2021, her younger sister Evelyn Thompson, and brother and sister in-laws; Roy and Kaye Evans, Lewis and Margaret Evans.

Born in Sydney, Cape Breton Island on Jan 27, 1930, Anna was the eldest child of Florence (née Greenwell) and Edward MacKillop. A strong student, she began working at Eaton’s at just 13 and later graduated from Sydney Academy before training as a stenographer. She worked for the juvenile court in Sydney for many years, then later in Winnipeg for Statistics Canada as an Enumerator and Supervisor.

Anna supported John’s federal government career with grace and resilience, moving their family across Canada – Bedford, Toronto (2x), Winnipeg (2x), Edmonton, Moncton, and then back to Winnipeg in 1987 when John retired.

Anna loved to entertain and be entertained. She was an avid Bridge player, regularly volunteered, and adored theatre and musicals. A lively conversationalist with a genuine interest in people, Anna made many friends and memories over a long and full life.

She and John travelled extensively – visiting Hawaii, Australia (9 winters), Singapore, Mexico, Portugal, the Caribbean, and Florida (11 winters), often with a group of close friends.

One of Anna’s favourite places was Victoria Beach, Manitoba, where the family spent over 50 summers. From 1989 to 2007, she worked part-time at the Victoria Beach Golf Course while John managed it. The cottage became a hub of joy, especially when her grandchildren came to stay.

In her final years, Alzheimer’s gradually stole pieces of Anna’s mind and weakened her body, but her deep love for family never faded. Her family is deeply grateful to her devoted group of companion aids – Poonam, Merna, Rosita, Marilyn, Brenda, Carol, and Patrick – for their support and companionship, and to the exceptional Tower 4 staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassionate care in her final months, and in particular the ‘end of life’ care that Anna received.

Anna enjoyed eight happy years at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence, and the family extends heartfelt gratitude to WRHA Health Aides Jocelyn and Rhoda, whose exceptional care allowed her to stay there as long as possible.

Anna was the heart of her family, and her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence, 707 Setter Street, Winnipeg at 2:00pm. Contact Paula Evans Nash for details.

Please consider making a donation in Anna’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at www.alzheimer.mb.ca. or to the Deer Lodge Center Foundation at www.deerlodgefoundation.com   Thank you.

Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

                                                               Helen Lowrie Marshall