MARY EVELYN COMBAZ (MCVARISH)

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MARY EVELYN COMBAZ
(nee McVARISH)
June 2, 1921 - May 15, 2021

Evelyn passed peacefully into God's hands on May 15, 2021, in Kelowna, her adopted city of more than two decades. Just a whisper short of 100 years.
Evelyn made a decision very early in life, due to a childhood illness, to look for the silver lining and to trust in God. That attitude shaped her outlook and served her well 'til the time of her death.
Evelyn delighted in daily life. Her welcoming smile and love of meeting new people led her into a variety of people-oriented occupations. She was charmed by the Scottish dance of her paternal roots, inherited a love of music from her talented mother, and took great pleasure in belonging to a number of choirs throughout the years. She so loved a party.
Whether it was a simple "tea for two", a symphony outing for 600 under the stars, or a silly Halloween dress-up. You could count on Evelyn to be there helping, hosting, or just plain having fun.
Evelyn's life in Kelowna focused on volunteer projects which she supported, such as the Catholic Women's League, Pro-life Thrift Shop, the Red Hat Society, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The camaraderie of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church choir and the Good Time Entertainers filled her letters home to Winnipeg. Those who knew her well understood the pleasure she took from those commitments and also from her independence.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Agnus and Emma McVarish; sisters, Ida McVarish, and Irene Bukoski Mlodzinski (George) (Walter); brothers, Hugh (Jeanne), Fred, Gil (Doris), Leo (Eileen), and Bernard (Betty).
She leaves to mourn niece and godchild Maureen Koblanski; niece Lynda (Frank) Pisa; brother Dennis (Olga) McVarish; sister-in-law Betty McVarish; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place with future interment at Green Acres Winnipeg with the family.
Evelyn requested that any donations be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation or the Right to Life Society Kelowna.

Condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2021