ANNA CHRISTINE (EVELYN) GOODRICK

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ANNA CHRISTINE (EVELYN) GOODRICK February 14, 1915 - April 14, 2010 On April 14, 2010, Evelyn Goodrick slipped gently away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria with her husband John at her bedside. She was 95 years young. John and Evelyn were married for 75 years. And although they had no children of their own, were Auntie Evie and Uncle Johnny to the countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in cities across Canada. She was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Amy Elvera Elizabeth Miller; her sisters Elvera (Vivi) Miller and Margaret Beaudoin; and her brothers Ernie and Edward Miller. Evelyn was born in Winnipeg where she lived and worked for most of her adult life before retiring to Victoria some 40 years ago. She worked at an industrial sewing factory during the Second World War. And, when the war ended, joined the staff of the T. Eaton Company where she rose through the ranks to become office manager of the Food Services division in Winnipeg overseeing the restaurants, dining room and the bake shop. Those who knew Evelyn at the time recall that she was well liked and respected and that she became a second mother to many of the Eaton's Girls as they were affectionately called. Many looked forward to Evelyn's annual Christmas card. Evelyn would attribute her longevity to an active mind and an active body which she exercised on a regular basis. Her passions included knitting, pinochle, dancing and the daily crossword puzzle. At night she would relax by playing the organ or entertaining her many friends. It is difficult to sum up a life well lived. To John, her husband and lifelong companion, she was a spirited blend of saint and savior. Together they travelled throughout Canada and Australia. To the Eaton's Girls, she was a compassionate boss and trusted friend. To her family she was simply Auntie Evie - a devoted and generous spirit who linked the generations together despite the miles that tend to separate. To her friends in retirement, she was a dynamo of social activity. A longtime member of the Busy Bees, Evelyn devoted endless hours knitting for family, friends and the many charitable organizations that she supported during her lifetime. Evelyn lived to dance. At age 90, she was delighting audiences of fellow seniors with her famous Spanish dance routine. And two weeks prior to her passing she was kicking up her heels with her Thursday afternoon dance group at the New Horizons Centre in James Bay. Evelyn and John lived together in the family home until her final few days relying only on the assistance of the Elder Safe program and the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Evelyn's family and friends were deeply moved by the care and compassion that she received from the Elder Safe staff and from the emergency room doctors and nurses at the Victoria General and the Royal Jubilee Hospitals in Victoria. At Evelyn's request her worldly remains were cremated with little fanfare. There was no service to mark her passing; in fact, remarkably little to honour a remarkable life. The family urges Evelyn's friends not to send flowers but if so inclined to make a donation to a hospital in their own community in the hopes that the money will help provide comfort and care for generations to come.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2010