Lacey, Evelyn

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LACEY: Evelyn (nee Hanis) 97, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Winnipeg on March 6, 2021, with her daughter by her side. Ev was born in 1924 in the small town of Esterhazy, SK. She grew up on the family farm, the middle of Stephen and Jean Hanis's eight children. Ev moved to the big city of Winnipeg in her early twenties where she worked as a seamstress at the Bay and met the love of her life: Harry Lacey. They married in 1949 and settled in Brandon where they raised their three children: Glen, Wendy, and Patti. Ev was quiet mannered and had a calm, gentle presence. She led an incredibly rich life fuelled by her many interests, artistic inclinations, and giving heart devoted to her family and community. She was not one for passing the time idly. When she wasn't cooking, baking, sewing, and helping run the family business, Lacey Signs - she was, gardening, bowling, and volunteering. She took particular pleasure in painting, being a member of Brandon's palette club, and completing many beautiful pieces which are now treasured keepsakes for her family. Ev was excellent at everything she did, though her most uttered phrase: It's not my best", may give you some insight into her high personal standards. Her baking especially brought a lot of joy to her family, and in particular, to her beloved sons-in-law Dave and Don, who made ample requests for pies and cinnamon buns. Ev was always willing to help with all of Wendy and Patti's projects, even hauling rocks! She was very proud of them both. Ev shared a special relationship with both of her granddaughters. She taught them both to stitch and bake, had them over for tons of sleepovers, and attended countless sporting and musical events. They remember the matching outfits she sewed for them over the years and the impeccably decorated birthday cakes. She had a constant presence in their lives, like another mother, always giving of her time, love, and expertise. Stephanie was lucky enough to share a birthday with her grandma and Ev always said Steph was her best present ever! Patti moved Ev in to live with her in the last four months of her life, and both Samantha and Stephanie were able to come home and spend a lot of time with their grandma. Many new memories were made that will be cherished forever - singing, dancing, cooking, playing Crib, and laughing lots. Ev is survived by her son Dr. Glen Lacey, daughter Patti, granddaughters Samantha (Stefan Dehod) and Stephanie (Adam Fraser), son-in-law Don Taylor (Robin, Tim Taylor, Amanda and toddler Grace). She was predeceased by her husband Harry, daughter Wendy, son-in-law Dave, and all seven of her siblings. A small graveside service will be held in the fall. Donations in memory of Ev can be made to the Alzheimer Society, Senior for Senior Centre, Brandon, or a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 20, 2021