MARY “ANITA” EVANS

It is with profound heartbreak that we share the passing of Mary “Anita” Evans on August 28, 2024 after a brief illness. She was a cherished wife, mother, and friend whose passing will leave a tremendous absence in the lives of so many.

Anita is predeceased by her adoring husband of 40 years, “Ian” John F.H. Evans, her parents Peter and Betty Epp, and parents-in-law, Johnny and Betty “Liz” Evans.

Anita will be missed immeasurably by her sons, Seamus (Tannis) and Keegan, bonus son Sean Walker, her siblings Rick (Maria) Epp, Ron (Anne) Epp, Bob Epp, Carolyn (Ron) Cataldo, Ken (Charlene) Epp; her sisters-in-law Paula (Mike) Meindl and Heather (Marcello) Jaculak; and many other relatives and friends.

Anita was born on January 15, 1958 joining four older siblings with the youngest yet to come. She grew up in North Kildonan as a huge animal lover who always made room for a feathered or furry pet. This love of animals continued throughout her life as she fostered and adopted animals. Anita was always willing to give a hand when a fellow pet-lover was in need, and often volunteered to pet-sit for friends whose pets needed a warm, loving home while their owners were away.

In August 1979, Anita met her soul mate, Ian, and they married on September 20, 1980. Anita became pregnant and had the couple’s first son Seamus in April 1983 followed by their second son, Keegan in January 1988. As a teenager, Sean Walker came to live with the Evans Family and quickly became Anita and Ian’s bonus son. Anita was a devoted mother who loved her three boys fiercely.

Anita began her career at the Shoppers Drug Kildonan Place as a postal clerk in the late 1980’s. She advanced to her role of Postal Manager where she continued until her retirement in 2022. Anita was an exceptional employee who enjoyed her job (well mostly… have you seen a Post Office at Christmas??). Her outstanding work was recognized by Canada Post when she received an award for top sales and best customer service in Western Canada. She greeted her customers with her friendly smile, answered their repetitive questions with endless patience, and had an attention to detail that encouraged customers to return to Anita’s postal outlet. Recognizing her problem-solving skills and strong customer service, Anita became sought after by Canada Post to train and set up new post offices throughout the region.

Anita loved music and the bagpipes and more specifically, listening to Ian play the bagpipes. They and the boys travelled to Scotland in 1997 when the Transcona Pipe and Drum band was participating in the World’s Piping Competition. Anita soon after became a collector of all things Scottish, most notably collecting “Scottie Dogs” and had an impressive collection of both Scottish and West Highland terrier figurines.

In tune with the musical stylings of Ian’s piping, Anita displayed her love of music as a chorister in the Scot’s Gaelic choir, Ceol Mara, and Irish Myst Choir. Over her years singing with these groups, she performed for many appreciative crowds and in a variety of events and venues throughout Winnipeg.

In addition to her love of music, Anita was a "converted" Celt who delved wholeheartedly into all aspects of the Celtic Community. She had an endless interest in Celtic culture and history. If there was an occasion which called for the wearing of a kilt, Anita was the person to call. From kilts to flashes, Anita fitted many of her “boys” in traditional Scottish clothing, instructing them on kilt wearing and etiquette.

On July 11, 2021, Anita lost the love of her life, Ian to cancer. Heartbroken, Anita powered through the early days of mourning by keeping busy with the business of Ian’s estate. From organizing his celebration of life, to preparing and selling their long-time family home on Kimberley Street, she persevered, but was never quite the same.

As a tribute to Ian, and in harmony with her ever-adventurous spirit, Anita got her first tattoo on March 30, 2022, at 64 years of age. The Celtic art piece she helped design was located on her left forearm. The piece boasted the Evans family tartan on a heart-shaped piping bag surrounded by music notes of a bagpipe tune written by Ian, and beside next to it the words “love forever my soul friend” in Scot’s Gaelic.

She was a dedicated volunteer to the Celtic community in Manitoba. She gave generously of her time over the years by volunteering. You could find her in the summertime at Folklorama in the Irish, United Kingdom and British Isles pavilions, throughout the choir season singing with and serving as board member and bookkeeper for Irish Myst Choir. Anita proudly volunteered for almost 20 years with her close friends in a charitable Celtic organization which supported the Celtic Arts community within Manitoba. It was one of her greatest pleasures to present a cheque to help ease the expenditures of a Highland or Irish Dancer, a pipe band or Celtic choir so they could continue their traditional Celtic art and their passion.

Everyone who spent time with Anita will be familiar with her warm and motherly ways, but as you got to really know her, it was her great sense of humor and quick, often deadpan, wit that kept you coming back for more. She could surprise even the most seasoned friend into hysterical laughter and entice them into shenanigans with her purposefully inappropriate timing.

Her friends and family always looked forward to spending time with her; for her patience, kind advice, genuine care, and for the joyful fun they would have together.

Her steady presence in their lives, the care she took and love she had for each of us will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Anita’s honour on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the 215 Legion located at 215 Maxwell King Drive in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to D’Arcy’s Arc, a local animal shelter dear to Anita’s heart, or to an animal shelter of your choice.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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