EVELYN CHRISTINE MacDONALD

EVELYN CHRISTINE MacDONALD April 3, 1935 – May 7, 2024 Evelyn Christine MacDonald left us on May 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and an indomitable spirit; she was with family at the time of her passing.

Evelyn was born in Hamiota, Manitoba, raised in Flin Flon, the youngest of Thomas and Clara Barr’s five children. Her heart found its match in Murray Leask, with whom she built a life and welcomed three children: Richard “Rick” (Susanne) MacDonald, Sjaane (Merle) Kanewischer, and Dean, who predeceased her in 1960. Tragedy struck again when she lost Murray in 1962.

Fate brought William “Bill” MacDonald into her life, along with two new sons, Marty (Arlene) MacDonald and Mark (Kathleen “Kate” McCauliffe) MacDonald. Together they welcomed Roderick, whose time on earth was a brief, but cherished chapter, closing in 1965. Evelyn’s journey with Bill was one of movement, as Bill’s career as a Fish & Wildlife Officer took them around the province, including Medicine Hat, Wetaskiwin and Camrose. After Bill’s passing in 2000, Evelyn embraced her independence with a zest for travel, exploring destinations from Arizona to Washington D.C., collecting and creating many memories. Her culinary adventures were limited to dining out as her best recipe was “reservations”. Following a stroke in 2008, her life changed dramatically and her world became smaller, but her feisty nature continued to assert itself.

Eight grandchildren were lucky enough to call her “Grandma”, “Grandma Mac” or “Bama”; Blake Kanewischer (Jae Kang), Kyle (Shawna) Kanewischer, Megan Allan (Jesse Gill) Lindsay (Derek) Gerein, Whitney (Kevin) McLuckie, Erin (Cody) Turcotte, Jerica MacDonald (Brett Grierson) and Michael MacDonald. They counted themselves lucky, because she had an infectious laugh that somehow doubled itself, as she starred laughing at the fact she was laughing. Despite her grand’s being scattered across the province, she saw them regularly. She had twelve great-grandchildren; Coen and Torin Kanewischer; Brady, Carter and Kylie Allan; Cade and Yale Gerein; Thea McLuckie; Karsynn, Colter and Cavan Turcotte; and Elle Grierson.

Predeceased by two daughters-in-law, Susanne in 2019 and Kate in 2023, her memory is cherished by her brother Robert (Norma) Barr, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of a service, she wished for us to celebrate her life in our own way – perhaps by making a reservation at your favourite restaurant.