WARREN, Evelyn Marie
May 1, 1927 – October 10, 2021
Evelyn is lovingly remembered by her children Leonard (Sandra), Evelyn (Mike Engel), Tony (Virginia Durksen), and Theresa (Craig MacDonald) as well as seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by daughter Marilyn, parents Florence and George Wright, brother Bill Prior, and sister Marge Drury, and beloved husband of 64 years LeRoy Warren.
Evelyn was raised in Hamilton, Ontario. During WWII she worked at making hats for servicemen, as well as parachutes used for dropping supplies to soldiers. She met LeRoy at a wiener roast and instantly knew she would marry him. He was serving in the war, so they danced to Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller at Big Band Dances put on for the war effort. They were married on Dec 3, 1945.
They lived in Hamilton for a few years before moving to Edmonton. In 1959 they bought a home in Sherwood Park, where they raised their family, built their printing business, and made many lifelong friends on Willow Street—the Bastness, Fowler, and Barker families. Mom lived there for 60 years.
After Dad passed, her dear friend Pat Barker would spend Wednesday evenings at Mom’s for movies and popcorn. Mom treasured her friendship with Pat, Mike, and their children. Her favourite times were spent at home entertaining family and friends for summer BBQs, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Mom was an avid patron of the Sherwood Park Library and read thousands of books in her lifetime.
Evelyn’s first trip to Europe was in 1978 with her daughters, son-in-law Mike, and grandchildren. Her subsequent trips to Europe were too many to count. Other travels included snow birding with Dad in Arizona, trips to Disneyland, New York, Las Vegas, and Toronto, as well as extensive trips throughout Canada and the US, many with long-time friends Joe and Molly Whale.
In 2019, she moved to Rutherford Heights Retirement Home in Edmonton, where staff and healthcare workers showed her great care and kindness every day. Our sincere thanks go out to each of them, as well as to Dr. Michael and the nursing staff at stroke Unit 52 at the Grey Nuns Hospital for their compassionate care during Mom’s final week.
Memories and condolences may be shared below and donations can be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke.
Our sincere condolences to Lenard &Sandra, Evelyn & Mike, Tony & Virginia, Theresa & Craig. Aunt Evelyn was always special to us. 94 years just doesn’t seem long enough. We always enjoyed our visits with her when we went to Edmonton. She was such an inspiration to me. I will miss our visits. Our prayers are with you.
My most heartfelt condolences to you Theresa and your family during this difficult time. I’m so grateful that I knew your mother. She was beautiful inside and out, she will truly be missed. My prayers are with you during this time.
Wonderful write-up, Theresa!
Our sincere condolences to the family.
We knew Evelyn as a gracious lady. Leroy once told me that Evelyn deserved to sit, read and eat bonbons. After Brian retired we’d carpool in. When he picked me up, Evelyn always had a treat for Brian.
To Tony and Virginia, Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. You were fortunate to have her with you on this earth for such a long time. And now, she will live on in your hearts, and will continue to love you and look over you from her new residence. Gioia and Ernie
Len, Sandra, our condolences. Your mom had a very interesting life.
Condolences to the family. A life well lived leaving behind a wonderful legacy and loving memories
She will be greatly missed, she was my God-mother and really a second mother to me. Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Evelyn are responsible for were I am today . Rest easy Aunty I will see you both on the other side.
This is a lovely tribute Theresa, thank you for all you do.