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EVELYNE LOUISE LAMONT (ANDERSON)
Born: Dec 24, 1929
Date of Passing: Feb 20, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryEVELYNE LOUISE LAMONT (nee ANDERSON) December 24, 1929 - February 20, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Evelyne Louise Lamont. Evelyne Anderson was a shining light on stage for generations of Winnipeg theatre lovers, with a remarkable career spanning over 60 years, performing in over 50 productions at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, 30 productions at Rainbow Stage, five appearances at Prairie Theatre Exchange, as well as many stages across Canada and the U.S. Evelyne was a theatre artist of rare ability and enjoyed a long, rich and varied career. Evelyne would often say "I had it all". She shone not only on stage but also in her many family roles. She enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 55 years to husband John Lamont, and while blessed with an active performing career, family remained the center of her life. She had close relationships with all her brothers and sisters, Angèle, Marie, Gabrielle, Jeffrey, David and Paul, their spouses, as well as her relations through marriage on John's side, Mary, Charles, Jean and Frank. She was close to the many devoted nieces and nephews and followed their lives with great interest and encouragement. She enjoyed travelling with John throughout their marriage, including a sabbatical year (1977) which took them to Montreux, Switzerland and Oxford, England. Many of Evelyne's happiest moments took place at her Ponemah Beach cottage, where family spent their summers, and where she hosted many memorable gatherings. In the blessings of living such a long and happy life, Evelyne had to bear the loss of many close friends and family members, including her beloved husband John in 2016. She is survived by her children, brother Paul (Iris), as well as sisters-in-law, Judith Lamont and Jean Lamont Pycock. Evelyne was born and raised in Winnipeg, the daughter of prominent Winnipeg musician and composer William Henry Anderson and Marcelle Roberts. She was a soloist in several choirs in the city and began to perform in musical theatre including leading roles in the inaugural seasons of Rainbow Stage. Evelyne decided to pursue professional stage training in England at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Shortly before graduating, her abilities secured her a yearlong contract at the Savoy in London's West End. Evelyne returned to Winnipeg, performing with the Canadian Players U.S. tour and in the first productions of the newly founded Manitoba Theatre Centre. She was contemplating a return to London, when after a performance at Rainbow Stage, she met her future husband, Winnipeg lawyer John Lamont. From that moment on, she based her career in her home town. She performed at almost every regional theatre in the country. One moment in her early career that she was truly proud of was as leading lady in a production of Carousel at The Front Street Theatre, Memphis, Tennessee, (1960) she performed in front of one the very first non-segregated audiences, a matinee for school children. Evelyne often spoke of the wonderful early days of the Canadian professional theatre scene; the founding of the actor's unions; Canadian Actors' Equity Association (Manitoba Chair, 1960) and Actra (Manitoba President, 1964) and the many fine Canadian actors she performed with. She mentioned with special fondness MTC founder John Hirsch. She explained her long, successful career with characteristic frankness, explaining that "I could sing better than most actors, and act better that most singers". She had a beautiful musical instrument, described in the Canadian Encyclopedia as follows; "her firm soprano, clear diction, and serene stagecraft made her virtually the leading lady of Rainbow Stage". Once she outgrew the younger leading roles, Evelyne continued to develop into a fine comic and character actress and remained active onstage until her 80s. Evelyne also performed in numerous radio and television performances for the CBC and taught at the former Manitoba School for Theatre and Allied Arts. She has been the recipient of several awards, including an Honorary Life Membership from Canadian Actor's Equity Association, The Victor Cowie Award from Actra Manitoba, a Rainbow Stage Wall of Fame inductee and was flattered beyond words to receive a Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural Winnipeg Theatre Awards. Just when she thought it really couldn't get any better, to have the Theatre Awards renamed "The Evies" was an unexpected honour that brought her great pride. She was immensely proud of the Winnipeg theatre community. Evie was a mentor, teacher and inspiration to many Winnipeg theatre artists. In 2009, The Manitoba Theatre Centre hosted a memorable evening celebrating Evie's 80th birthday and her contribution to the arts in Manitoba, and it was an event which touched her deeply. In later years, Evelyne faced health challenges with courage and humility. Her children would like to acknowledge the superb medical care she received. Appreciation goes to the wonderful staff and loving friends at The Wellington and the exceptional staff at Riverview Health Centre where her final days were met with incredible tenderness, dignity and compassion. As a mother, Evelyne found a role in which she shone with special grace. She provided unconditional love, support and friendship to her three children, Andrew, Madeleine and Maria. She warmly welcomed to her family her children's spouses, Alison Taylor and her children (Andrew), George Lennox (Madeleine), and Waut Koeken (Maria). The last great joy of her life were her three granddaughters, Mariah and Isabelle Lamont-Lennox, and Louise Koeken. To witness "Mimsy" read her granddaughters a bedtime story was something not to be forgotten. She was the steady rock in her family for many years and will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life is planned for 3:00 p.m., July 24, 2019 at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church. Flowers are gratefully declined, although donations in her memory may be made to the: Performing Arts Lodge Winnipeg, http://palwinnipeg.org/donate/ or to the Winnipeg Theatre Awards; "The Evies", http://www.winnipegtheatreawards.com /contributions
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2019
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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My deepest sympathy to all the family. I too was a Von Trapp child at Rainbow Stage in 1967, in The Sound of Music. Even as an 11 yr old I knew I was working with a great woman, singer - actress, teacher, inspiration and human being. Evelyn was all that and more. Elegant, kind, generous, talented and patient. She taught by doing. How blessed you were to be her family. She’ll never be forgotten. I will always be grateful to have known her. - Posted by: Joanna MacFadzean (Friend ) on: Feb 16, 2023
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Condolences to Madeleine, Maria and Andrew on the passing of your dear mum. Each summer our family would attend Rainbow Stage to see Evie and I still think of her each time I attend a theatre. A charming hostess at family gatherings and a loss to the vibrant Winnipeg theatre community. - Posted by: Catherine Cleveland (Cousin) on: Jul 22, 2019
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My mum's maiden name was Mullane, and I believe Evelyne's mother Marcelle was briefly married to Joe Mullane, my mother's uncle, back in 1923. My mother is now a great age but she used to talk about Evelyn Anderson who she remembered from film and theatre back in the day, presumably because she was distant family. When I started doing family history research some years ago, I managed to trace Evelyn and read of her shining career with great interest, even buying the film The Stone Angel to see what she looked like! What I read about Evelyne tells me that that she was amazingly talented and amazingly kind. I am sure you all feel her loss very keenly. I just wanted to send my condolences, because I feel I knew her a tiny tiny bit. We did correspond once a couple of years ago but not for very long. I wanted to tell her how both my mother and all my own children have gone into the world of music, dance and theatre in some way, and I wanted to thank her for being such a great inspiration! My thoughts are with you all. Kathy Hyde (UK) - Posted by: Kathy Hyde (Evelyne was the stepdaughter of my great-great-uncle, W H Anderson) on: Apr 30, 2019
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Sincere condolences on the loss of such an incredibly lovely, talented and strong mentor as the wonderful Evelyne Anderson. I had the incredible good fortune of sharing a dressing room with Evie (and Nancy Drake) at RMTC years ago when I received a phone call from our babysitter that our 6 month old daughter had turned over on her own for the first time. I hung up and shed a few quiet tears that I missed that. Nancy asked if everything was ok and I told them what I missed. As she turned the page of her beloved Winnipeg Free Press, the wise and experienced Evie calmly said " don't worry dear, she'll do it again". She was right. Lovely, talented, strong and right. Evie, you are adored. - Posted by: Debbie Maslowsky (Fan and Friend) on: Feb 27, 2019
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The example set by Miss Anderson was important to her legacy. As a young actor on the Concert Hall Stage (Rainbow was building the roof) in My Fair Lady, 1975, her bearing and stage experience was a beacon of professional conduct. The reigning grande dame in Winnipeg for 4 decades. Thank-you Evie. - Posted by: Keith James (Co-worker) on: Feb 27, 2019
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Andrew, my sincere condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you! - Posted by: Irena Farova (Colleague and friend) on: Feb 26, 2019
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I offer condolences to all of you in Evie's family and to her friends too. When I moved to Manitoba in 1992 I learned quickly of Evie's importance in Winnipeg and beyond. I so respected her artistry and her legacy in our theatre community and will always hold her as a treasure in my heart. - Posted by: Melanie Whyte (Friend) on: Feb 25, 2019
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She was a great Mom, wife and a very, very dear friend and neighbor. She was great lady and and true aristocrat. She raised three fine, kind and intelligent children with high values and standards- a mirror of herself. She will be sorely missed by us. You have our sincere condolences. Michael and Maria Mercury. - Posted by: MICHAEL and Maria Mercury (Friends) on: Feb 25, 2019
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Dear Andrew, Madelaine and Maria, Your mom has always been an inspiration for me (on and off stage), and just a remarkable human being. I love that Evie would always remind me of our time as classmates in 4th year Directing at U of W. (I am close to the same age now as she was then and I can't imagine going back to school.) Thank you for bringing her to the "Evie's" this past year so we, Rick and I, had one last chance to say hello and now goodbye "Dear". - Posted by: Jan Skene (Friends) on: Feb 25, 2019
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Dear Andrew, Madeleine, Maria and extended family. Please accept our condolences for our wonderful Evie. Her greatest role for me was that of a loving, caring Auntie. She will be missed by all. Love David, Isabelle, Gabrielle, William and Patrick - Posted by: David Anderson (Nephew) on: Feb 24, 2019
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My sincere condolences to the family. Evie was a truly remarkable person and I know she will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Carol Nitikman Foster (friend of the family) on: Feb 24, 2019
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I an so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She truly was awesome in every way, and so fortunate to have heard her sing (like a bird), act (better than Streep!) and provide inspiration in the kitchen (I remember her teaching us how to make spring rolls in your house on Wellington all those years ago, way before they were fashionable). My thoughts & prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Nancy Scott (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2019
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Sincere condolences to you all......amazing life..... - Posted by: Mary Morican (teacher of children) on: Feb 24, 2019
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Love you Evie. 💖 - Posted by: Donna Fletcher (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2019
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I was 13 and Rainbow Stage was a long trip from Westwood but luckily for us Evie and John had purchased a home 2 Bays away from our home so on most nights during rehersal and the run of Sound of Music in 1967 I drove with Evie to the park. We had such a wonderful experience as the von Trapp kids and we were all in love with our Maria. I was privileged to work with Evie 3 more times as a young, aspiring actor and she was such a role model. Always prepared, always calm, always real, always the best actor on the stage. I will remember her with deep respect and fondness. - Posted by: Greg Nordman (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2019
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Andrew and family - my condolences to all of your families. How fortunate you were to have your Mother in your lives for so long! - Posted by: Susan Schmidt (Tremblay) (co-worker) on: Feb 23, 2019