EVELYN ISOBEL (MCRAE) ANDERSON

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EVELYN ISOBEL (MCRAE) ANDERSON May 12, 1927 October 17, 2012 Peacefully, on October 17, 2012, Evelyn Isobel Anderson, wife of the late Edwin Anderson, passed away at the age of 85 years. She was a long-time resident of East Selkirk, and recently of Red River Place Care Home in Selkirk, MB. She leaves to celebrate her life her children, Rusty Anderson of Portage la Prairie, MB; David (Linda) Anderson of Regina, SK; Allan (Janice) Anderson of East Selkirk, MB and Donna Ritchie of Selkirk, MB. She was the very proud grandma and great-grandma to: Luci Anderson (Ken Pendlebury), Carter and Cameron Wright, Peyton and Calli Pendlebury; Nancy (Dan) Smith, Victoria Anderson, Elizabeth, Isabella, Jackson, and Derek Smith; Jackiy (Steve), Carly and Natalie Van Mil; Traci (Tyson) and Matthew Krunek; Amber Ritchie. She will be lovingly remembered by sisters Mildred Blundell, Olive Pritchard, Winona Metrow, and Geraldine Bruneau (Ken Hall); brothers Alvin McRae and Milton McRae; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends, especially Dina and sister Bette. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Edwin Anderson, her parents Charles and Anne McRae, brother Charles McRae, and sister Audrey Walker. Evelyn was born on May 12, 1927 in Pine Ridge, Springfield Municipality, MB and married Edwin in 1948. They purchased the farm' in East Selkirk in 1949, a place of so many memories. The coffee pot was always on, someone to sit at the kitchen table and talk, a variety of animals in the yard, grandma's garden, preserves, patience and rain barrels; grandpa's great interest in family goings-on, cows, the local buffalo, and fall geese migration. After Ed passed away in October 2000, Evelyn moved to the Selkirk Knights Centre in 2002, and Red River Place in 2007. Ed and Evelyn's children were only part of those whom they considered family. They opened their home to any family, friend, acquaintance, or passer-by in need of a cup of coffee, a meal, or place to stay. They generously shared their home and lives with at least twelve foster children, keeping lifetime ties with foster sons Dietrich, Odin and Sig Pajonk. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren delivered messages at her memorial, capturing the essence of the things she taught us, sometimes unknowingly, by the way she lived or what she said. How life was about being good to others - no matter who they are, to show people respect and that you care, to listen, to be of service, to keep life honest and simple. She was happiest when helping someone else, spending many satisfying days at Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Selkirk. We thank them for being part of her family too. We also thank the incredible staff at Red River Place Care Home for their compassion and care in the past five years; Dr. R. Lindenschmidt and Dr. G. Fuchs; Gilbart Funeral Home of Selkirk, MB; Rev. A. Bouw of Knox Presbyterian Church and the Knox congregation for many years of fellowship and faith. A family service and interment was held on October 20, 2012 in the St. Clements Churchyard Cemetery, Selkirk, MB, Rev. Anthon Bouw officiating. We thank everyone for the calls, cards, messages, and wishes, and sincerely appreciate the donations made to somewhere very important to mom Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, c/o 376 Jemima St., Selkirk. She would be pleased with any donations to them or a food bank of your choice. A new seed was planted in God's garden, ready to grow and flourish. My memories of you I promise will be of the good, and not the bad My heart will ache for you, but my soul will feel relief for your freedom My eyes will tear, but my mouth will smile at the thought of you And I will feel lost, but I know when my time comes, your light will guide me back to you. ~Victoria Anderson, great-granddaughter~ Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2012