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EVELYN DOWBIGGIN Obituary pic

EVELYN DOWBIGGIN

Date of Passing: May 18, 2017

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EVELYN DOWBIGGIN 1919 - 2017 Evelyn Dowbiggin (nee Driscoll) died on Thursday, May 18, 2017, six hours after a fall outside her residence in Edmonton. Her daughter Claire and granddaughter Regan were chatting with her in an Emergency Room Cubicle when she suddenly died from her injuries. Evelyn was born and raised in Manotick, a suburb of Ottawa. She was the second of nine children. When Evelyn first moved to Ottawa from the family farm, she worked as a domestic. Later she completed a Secretarial Course, and found work in the Senate. She met Wilfred Dowbiggin and married him in 1942. After the war they moved to Winnipeg where their three children were born and raised. Times were tough financially for the fledgling family. Each year when the Manitoba Government was in session, Evelyn was grateful to be called into work. In 1962 she was recruited to work in the Court of Appeal to fill a one-year position as Judges' Secretary. That position ended up being a 27 year career, from which Evelyn retired in 1989. After suffering a stroke at her Winnipeg condo in 2007, she moved to Edmonton to be closer to her daughter Claire, and her family. During that decade, Evelyn was present for the birth of four of her great grandchildren. She enjoyed our frequent celebrations around birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and family reunions. Her life was rich and full; Claire appreciated the close friendship that developed between them. Evelyn's charm, wit, sense of humour, and penchant for practical jokes, combined with her positive attitude, attracted a wide age-range of friends. Counted among them were the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers and Millenials as well as her contemporaries. She was known for her quaint sayings, a reflection of her Irish and French roots, and the Ottawa Valley culture in which she was raised. Evelyn's life was devoted to living out gospel values. She was faithful to her Catholic roots until the end, even attending Easter Sunday Mass last month at 98 years of age. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Norbert Church, Winnipeg, 70 St. Pierre St. on June 24, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. David Brabant presiding. Lunch, socializing and sharing of memories to which everyone is invited will follow in the church basement. Evelyn's ashes will be interred beside her husband in the St. Norbert Cemetery. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Wilfred, her treasured companion of 59 years. Evelyn is survived by one sibling, Allan in Manotick, and her three children, Neil (Debbie) and their four children Shelley, Scott, Lani and Cory; Dwight (Mary) and their two children Kelly and Shannon; Claire (Leo) and their two children Regan and Brendan. Evelyn also leaves 12 great grandchildren, as well as a host of life-long friendships she maintained in various parts of Canada. We, Evelyn's family, acknowledge with gratitude and humility the outpouring of affection from so many of her friends and loved ones across the country. Your kind words will be remembered and will continue to be a source of comfort in the years ahead. In lieu of flowers memorial donations, in Evelyn's name, may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, which was a favourite charity of hers and the last place where Evelyn volunteered as recently as two years ago. To send condolences, please visit: www.connelly-mckinley.com Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home 10011-114 Street, Edmonton (780) 422-2222

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2017

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

  • Aunt Evelyn was a truly amazing spirit. She handle any and all situations with such dignity and strength that you couldn't help but look up to her for inspiration. She was loved and admired immediately by all who had the pleasure of meeting her, but to know her was a gift. Her energy and love of life always amazed me. Mom and Dad always enjoyed their weekly talks to catch up and reminisce of the old days in Manotick on the family farm. I was fortunate to be present for some of these conversations and was always amazed about their life back then. I know we will all miss Aunt Evelyn especially Dad, they really had a very unique brother/sister bond that Dad became very dependent on and he will truly miss Aunt Evelyn not only as his sibling, but the kind, caring and thoughtful women that she was. - Posted by: Tracy Driscoll (Niece ) on: Jun 15, 2017

  • Our sincere condolences to the Dowbiggin family. My parents (Gilbert & Julie Dias) first met Evelyn & Wilfred in 1973 when we immigrated to Canada. Both Evelyn and Wilf were instrumental in helping us settle in Winnipeg. We will always be thankful for their friendship and guidance during our early years in Canada. - Posted by: Violette da Costa (nee Dias) (Long time family friend) on: May 31, 2017

  • We send our deepest sympathies to the Family. When our family moved to Winnipeg Wilf & Evelyn were always helpful, and welcoming. They will be missed. Louis Dias & the Dias & Aguiar Family's - Posted by: Louis Dias & the Dias & Aguiar Family's (Friend of Family) on: May 31, 2017

  • When I first met Evelyn (and Wilf) they were so sociable and hospitable, that we quickly forgot any generation gap and counted them as friends instantly. At Wilf's funeral someone called Wilf the ultimate host. Spot on. Evelyn had been a widow for a number of years before I joined the "club". She was so kind, caring, always made me feel better able to cope after a visit with her. I enjoyed so many stimulating conversations about current subjects that she had been reading about. She soaked up knowledge about subjects that interested her like a sponge.One thing she was very passionate about a decade ago, was the human trafficking of children around the globe. She was utterly convinced that i "we" needed to do something about it and it would make a difference. She was "ageless". We had some adventures! I will miss her presence in my life but she will always be in my heart. Condolences to the Dowbiggin family. - Posted by: Ruth KLassen (Friend) on: May 31, 2017

  • She was an amazing woman who I looked up to and greatly respected. She was always so kind and classy and loved to laugh. I was always amazed at her strength. Evellyn never seemed to age as she always seemed bright and very energetic. I appreciated that she always keept that family connection with me. She will be greatly missed by all... Deanna (Ken Driscoll's daughter) - Posted by: Deanna Driscoll Fleck (Niece ) on: May 29, 2017

  • Sincere condolences, she was a wonderful lady. As a child I recall visiting the house on Pembina with my parents and later in life hunting trips to Peirson Mb. , during my career seeing her at the Law Courts and chatting in the hallways, she was always such a gracious lady. - Posted by: Darcy Jones (Family Friend) on: May 28, 2017

  • So sorry to hear about your Mum. She was endlessly patient with us 'kids' - I'll always remember her with a smile on her face. - Posted by: Aileen Murphy (Friend) on: May 28, 2017

  • Condolences to the Dowbiggen family on the loss of your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother... i remember many fun times visiting your parents when they lived in St. Norbert! May the special memories you have be a comfort to you now. - Posted by: Pierre Minvielle (Longtime family friend ) on: May 27, 2017

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