EVELYN MARIE STE. CROIX

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EVELYN MARIE STE. CROIX April 26, 1945 - August 2, 2002. Evelyn died peacefully at her home in Winnipeg shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her children, Anna and Alex Ste.Croix Rothney; her sister Rhea; her brother Darrell; her nieces, Leanne, Kimberley and Melanie; her great-nephew Milan; and her great-niece Drue. Also in mourning are Russ Rothney and his mother Alice, and brother Will, and many other friends and relatives. Evelyn was predeceased by her father Austin, her mother Tina, and her sister-in-law Jeanie. Evelyn was born in Kapuskasing, ON, and grew up in Longlac, ON. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree (History and Economics) from Lakehead University and a Teachers Certificate from Lakehead Teachers College, in Thunder Bay, ON. She also completed a pre-Masters year in education at the University of Manitoba. Evelyn was a gifted teacher who was greatly admired and loved by her colleagues and students. She was a wise, fair and creative teacher whose guidance and influence had a positive impact on the many students she taught. Her commitment to her profession was expressed through her involvement in her union, her mentorship of student teachers, and the insightful and sympathetic support she so willingly gave to her colleagues. She taught for many years at Greenway Elementary School. Earlier, she taught at David Livingstone Elementary School and Argyle High School, in Winnipeg, and in Oakbank, MB, and Thunder Bay, ON. Music was an integral part of Evelyns life. She thoroughly enjoyed the Winnipeg Folk Festival and attended continuously throughout its 29 year history, except for the time that she stayed home to sing to newborn baby Alex. She liked playing the piano and guitar and singing with friends. Evelyn loved to spend time with friends at "birthday brunches" and "book group" get-togethers, and at concerts at the West End Cultural Centre. She also always enjoyed visiting with her extended family in Thunder Bay and in Barachois de Malbaie, on the Gaspe coast of Quebec. A strong feminist, Evelyn was an early member of the womens liberation movement that evolved in Winnipeg in the late 60s and early 70s. Over the years, she also took part in peace campaigns and in other activities focussed on social equality and human rights. She was a very highly appreciated volunteer in Winnipegs first community-based recreational program for children and youth with severe multiple disabilities. In 1969 she was one of 15 Canadian students who spent two months visiting Japan and studying developments in China and Japan. She later visited much of Europe and south Asia. Anna and Alex were her greatest source of pride and delight. She never missed a chance to tell friends about their joys and triumphs, all of which were cause for celebration. Their lives reflect her commitment to social justice and education, her love of music, and her cheerful personality. Evelyn spent her last few weeks with family and friends, maintaining a positive outlook and enjoying life to the end. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg on Saturday, August 10, starting at 2:00 p.m., at the West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Winnipeg Folk Festival or to the West End Cultural Centre.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2002