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EVELYNE BEMBEN
Born: Jan 02, 1936
Date of Passing: Jan 08, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryEVELYNE BEMBEN
On January 8, 2024, Evelyne Bemben passed away at the age of 88.
Evelyne is survived by her beloved son and friend, Richard Ward Lewko. She was predeceased by her parents, John Bemben in 1982, mother Jessie Bemben in 1997, brothers, John in 1953, Frank in 2015, Bobby in 2016 and sisters, Anne in 2007 and Antoshka in 2012.
Evelyne was born on January 2, 1936, at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital on Pritchard and Salter Street in Winnipeg. Her family lived at that time in the Point Douglas area. When her father served his country during the Second World War, the family moved to Pine Ridge where Evelyne started her school years, and as she liked to remind her friends “walked two and a half miles to school at the age of six.”
After the war, the family relocated to 220 Belmont Avenue in West Kildonan where Evelyne lived until she married in 1956. Evelyne attended Centennial, Victory and West Kildonan Collegiate graduating in 1955. She commenced her employment with the West Kildonan School District No. 8 (now the Seven Oaks School Division No. 10 in 1956 until her retirement in 1997.
Evelyne felt that her greatest accomplishment and joy in her life was raising her son, whom she was very proud of.
In addition to her many years of service with the school division, Evelyne organised the first all clerical union in Manitoba, C.U.P.E. Local 949 in 1964, which she served as President of for many years. She was also an active member of the CCF and NDP serving in a number of volunteer roles including as President of the Seven Oaks Constituency Association.
During her journey through life Evelyne "the intrepid" travelled extensively through Europe, Australia, and Asia. She enjoyed many winters at the family home on the island of Phuket, Thailand and never tired of the sunsets or the accompanying margaritas.
Evelyne taught typing through the local Community Schools program for several years. She also served as a volunteer with the World University Service Canada (WUSC) providing settlement support to international students studying in Manitoba from Indonesia. Evelyne walked extensively, wherever she was and also enjoyed knitting and did many crafts and jam making which she shared with family and friends, She enjoyed her many pets and her home. She lived a full life and used to say “life has been good to me.”
A special thank you to niece Wendy Miller for the love and support provided to Evelyne during her years at Concordia Village and Middlechurch Home.
In accordance with Evelyne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service.
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”
Helen Keller
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2024, Jan 27, 2024
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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We have such fond memories of Evelyn. She was our neighbour when we moved to West Kildonan into our first house. Her and Muffin, the dog were lovely to have next door. My family is saddened to hear of her passing. She was a kind heart lady and all around great person. - Posted by: Lori (Neighbour ) on: Feb 06, 2024
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Rich, we were very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She has left you with so many memories to embrace and enjoy - her travels, her advice, antics and life changing accomplishments. There will be many Evelyne stories to tell for years to come. I am sure she is surrounded by her soi dogs and sipping on a margarita somewhere! - Posted by: Janis and Dave Leonard (Friends) on: Jan 31, 2024
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Dear Richard, we wanted to send our sincere condolences for the passing of your Mother. We met Evelyne by chance when we gave her and some friends a lift in our car while in Phuket, we immediately liked her, and only wish we had met her sooner and known her longer. We loved her fun spirit and enjoyed hearing about her travels around the globe. We remember the (thankfully) watered down Margherita(s) over brunch, and the night call to rescue her from the (huge) snake on the stairs. Memories which we continue talk about today, through her we met you and so it all continues….. - Posted by: Claire & Lorenzo Lorusso (Friends ) on: Jan 30, 2024
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My deepest condolences Richard. I had the privilege of working with Evelyn over many years in Seven Oaks School Division. When I came to the Board Office I would always take the time to chat with her. She often told me about you Richard and gave me updates on the family house in Thailand and of course her travel adventures. She was a strong, amazing, independent woman. I admired her. - Posted by: Edie Wilde (Colleague ) on: Jan 30, 2024
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Richard, we are saddened to hear of your Mom's passing, and offer our deepest sympathies. There are many fond memories of dinners at Evelyne's, sharing good food and good friends and much laughter. She will be truly missed. - Posted by: Louise and Marty Kos (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2024
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Richard, very sorry to hear of your mom’s death. She seems to have lived a very rich life.all the best, Ed Reed and Johanna Brand - Posted by: Ed Reed (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2024
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I'm very saddened by Evelyn's passing. Sadly, I only knew her for a few years met her in Phuket. She inspired me. Intrepid is exactly how I would express her. I have Many memories, her on the back of a scooter going for groceries. Her feeding the Soi dogs and them protecting her from a very large snake. Coming down a tree she was resting on Bang Tao beach. Us taking her to her favorite place in Patong for Margheritas. She is greatly missed by many people here in Phuket. Miss you, Michele and Bruce. - Posted by: Michele Harris (Friend ) on: Jan 27, 2024
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Hello Richard, My sincere sympathies to you on your mother's death. I remember her very fondly when she served with my dad on the Seven Oaks School Board. She was upbeat, always thinking about how to do positive things for the community. She came to my parent's home when we held a few parties, and I always enjoyed speaking with her. A good person, a life devoted to doing good, no matter how big or small. I'm sure you'll treasure her memories. Best, Harriet. - Posted by: Harriet Zaidman (Daughter of Ben Zaidman, school trustee with Evelyne) on: Jan 27, 2024