A resident of the Heartwood Retirement Centre in Cornwall for the past 4.5 years, Evelyn Whitteker passed away there on Sunday, August 21, 2011. She was 87.
Evelyn was born in Cornwall on December 27, 1923, to her parents Colin and Agnes MacMillan (nee Dennison). She was the oldest of a family of eight. On March 30, 1945, this city girl married Ross Emerson Whitteker and settled into country life where she became the “rock”of her family.
Evelyn was an amazing women, who had many talents that she did to perfection.
She was an accomplished seamstress, who also knitted and crocheted, and kept her family dressed in style. There was nothing she could not fix, alter, or make.
Her artistic side led her to painting, and ceramics, and her culinary talents were unsurpassable. No one will forget her apple pie, dill pickles, and donuts. Tim Horton’s had nothing over Evelyn’s donuts!
Evelyn was involved in all aspects of farming with Ross, from baling hay and driving machinery to feeding, and milking cows. She loved animals, especially dogs and there were many but Topsy and Brandi were closest to her heart.
There was nothing that Evelyn could not do, and through all of this rural life she never lost her “city girl” touch, as she was always dressed for town, from her lipstick and earrings to her matching purse and shoes. She loved to shop, especially for jewelry and shoes.
In the community, Evelyn was involved in everything from Women’s Institute, and ladies aid, to quilt making at the church. People from the community describe Evelyn as “beautiful”, both inside and out.
She and Ross loved to love life, this included everything from fishing, boating, dancing, playing music, snowmobiling, bowling, card playing, reading, puzzles, to just enjoying family fun around the campfire at the cottage on a warm summers night.
Evelyn will be remembered as a very strong woman. She had such amazing strength, and that strength came through in who she was and all she did. Intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically…. she was a strong woman. That strength carried her through the long, graceful journey of her life with dignity and pride.
Evelyn is survived by her children Donnie (Susan) of Williamsburg, Gail (Bob) Godbout of Keswick, Karen Wells (Terry Henderson) of Brinston and Robbin (David) Kerr of Mountain and by her siblings Muriel Potvin of Ottawa, Mary Kerr of Ottawa, Donald (June) MacMillan of Clarence Creek and Kenny (Norma) MacMillan of Ottawa.
She will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Greg, Kristine, Cory, Colin, Robert, Jeff, Ashley, Julie-Anne, Holly, and great-grandchildren Jake, Bo, Mack, Elle, Kristin, Rachel and Raine.
She was predeceased by her husband Ross and sisters Gladys Tippins, Betty Pinkham and Helen Allen. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 25th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.
Pallbearers were grandchildren Ashley Kerr, Julie-Anne Kerr, Holly Kerr, Robert Wells, Cory Godbout and Colin Godbout.
Donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Winchester Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
Be the first to comment