EVELYN (EVIE) GRACE PARKHURST

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EVELYN (EVIE) GRACE PARKHURST

(née PAWLUK)

Evie passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023, at Holy Family Home surrounded by family. Evie was predeceased by her father John Pawluk, and her loving husband of 23 years, Brian. Evie is survived by her four children, Kelly Beech, Kacey Anderson (Alicia), Sherry Gard (Jayson), and Jim Parkhurst; grandchildren, Jack, Luke, Matthew, Graham, Kirbee and Charlie; sister Lynda Specht (Garry); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews she was close to.

She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 17, 1947, to John and Grace Pawluk. Evie spent a lot of time growing up at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in Kirkness, Manitoba. Ever the troublemaker, she would often play tricks on her aunts who were close in age to her.

Grand Beach was always a treasured destination as Evie spent formative years there when Grandpa drove the bus between Grand Marais and Winnipeg. Many summers were spent out at the cottage from when her kids were young and throughout her retirement.

Evie worked for Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation where she met Tom Beech, whom she later married on New Year’s Eve in 1977. They welcomed two daughters: Kelly and Kacey, whom she stayed home with until they were both in school full-time. Evie was an exceptional baker and made special birthday cakes for the girls every year. She was also an avid sewer and would make special Halloween costumes, strategically fitting over snowsuits.

Evie found love again and married Brian in 1999. She adored being Grandma to all her grandchildren and enjoyed hosting cookie decorating for them at Christmas time. She and Brian spent many winters with friends in Mexico and later Arizona.

Evie was passionate about cooking and hosting. Every Christmas season, she spent days cooking and baking in preparation for the holiday season. Despite working full time at a second career at St. Boniface Hospital Nursing Educations, she continued to be a long-time volunteer with the Chown Guild supporting the Children’s Hospital though events such as the Teddy Bear’s picnic and the St Vital book market. Mom’s warmth and laughter will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff in the St. Basil’s unit at Holy Family Home for their wonderful care of Evie while she stayed there.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 16, 2023, at the Novella (above Collective Event Rentals) 12 South Landing Drive. All are welcome to attend and share their memories of her.

Evie will be placed with Brian at St. Vital Cemetery in a private family event.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Evie's memory may be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Parkinson’s Canada to support research or a charity of your choice.

Evie’s family kindly requests that you visit her tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography as well as memories and stories published by those who knew her are available there.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2023