EVELYN RIGAUX

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EVELYN RIGAUX With saddened hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Evelyn Camelia Rigaux (nee Chevalier), on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at Glenboro, Manitoba, at the age of 84 years. Evelyn was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Hubert Rigaux, in August 2006, and by her sons George and Robert, and her parents Marie and Alphonse Chevalier of Swan Lake, Manitoba. She will be greatly missed by her sons John (Sandra) of Baldur, Norbert (Gloria Cassidy) of Rivers, and by her daughters Joyce Rigaux (John Rayment) of Sechelt, BC, Agnes Rigaux of Glenboro, and Lisa (Alan) DeCeuleneer of Swan Lake, her daughter-in-law Edna Rigaux of Brandon, grandchildren Sherri Rigaux, Landon North and Shandi North, brothers John (Alice) Chevalier and Maurice (Ali) Chevalier of Swan Lake, her granddog Teak, and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Evelyn was born to Alphonse and Marie Chevalier in Cypress River, Manitoba, on May 10, 1923. She was the eldest sister to brothers John and Maurice. She received her schooling from St. Urbain country school near Bruxelles, Manitoba. She was a bright student and loved school, wanting to be a teacher. One of her abiding disappointments in life was in not being allowed to continue in school past Grade 8, but times were tough and she was needed to do the work of a hired man on the family farm. She always wanted one of her children to become a teacher but this was not to be. She was delighted, however, to know that her youngest granddaughter Shandi North intends to become a teacher. Evelyn's love of learning and books was maintained throughout her life, and there was always money to be found to buy books for her children, even when money was scarce. She attained only Grade 8, but her children remember her helping them with their homework all through high school. Evelyn worked hard on her parents' farm until she met the love of her life, Hubert Joseph Rigaux. They were wed in November 1941 and went on to have seven children, George, Joyce, John, Robert, Agnes, Norbert, and Lisa. Hubert and Evelyn farmed in the Swan Lake area until they moved to a farm in the Bru District near Cypress River, Manitoba. They lived there until their retirement move to Glenboro, Manitoba, in 1986. They were married 65 happy years. Evelyn worked alongside Hubert on the family farm, doing the work of a man, milking cows, stooking, haying, and all the other chores on a mixed farm. She was a loyal and loving wife, and also a devoted and loving mother to her six children, fiercely protective and supportive of them. She was always interested and involved in the lives of her children as a mother and later in life as a close friend. How she managed to find the time to do everything she did is remarkable. She did the work of a man and raised six kids with few luxuries or conveniences. She baked bread every other day, made her own soap and butter, tended a huge garden and had a pantry full of preserves. She sewed many of the children's clothing, and was a fine cook. Besides her home and family, Evelyn had many passions in life. One was her knitting and patchwork quilts. Her quilts are owned by everyone in her large extended family, and have also been sold to people in Europe. She loved music, especially country, and her tunes were always playing in her home. She loved all the farm animals, and doted on her cats and dogs. Evelyn also found time to help neighbours and extended family in troubled times, volunteered in the community, helping with church bazaars and fund raising for various causes. Evelyn's life was rich and full with much joy, but also sadness with the loss of her two sons George and Robert, and with the loss of her husband Hubert Rigaux last year. A remembrance service celebrating Evelyn's life was held on Saturday, June 23, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at Willmor Chapel (Jamieson's Funeral Service), Glenboro, Manitoba, with Father Francis Andoh officiating. Inspirational gospel music was performed by Henry Martins and Dianne Lodge. Pallbearers were Michel Chevalier, Albert Chevalier, Donald Chevalier, David Chevalier, Stephen Chevalier, and Stan Clark. Honorary pallbearer was Landon North. A family interment service took place in the St. Alphonse cemetery where Evelyn was laid to rest alongside her husband Hubert Rigaux. Memoriams may be made in Evelyn's memory to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 - 17th St., Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7M6, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3 - 824 18th St., Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5B7. Go with God, Mom, and Rest in Peace

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2007