EVELYN GRACE KOCH PETERSON

Teacher, avid traveler, and life-long learner, our mom, sister, friend, colleague, and neighbor passed away on December 9 at the age of 77. Evelyn will be deeply missed by her children Susan (Nevil Stephens) and Gregory (Christie and children Hunter and Emma).

Evelyn was born March 26, 1946, the fourth child of the late Lester and Alice (Nahrgang) Koch. She grew up on a farm near New Hamburg, Ontario along with her nine siblings who survive: Earl (Lucille), Harold (Grace), Florence (Fred) Michelin, Eleanor Snyder, Russell (Hazel), Norman (Gwen), Shirley Henley, Kenneth (Lorrie), Allan (Julia). She was a special aunt to her many nieces and nephews and their families.

Evelyn’s teaching career spanned 35 years, beginning as an intrepid twenty-two year old in Togo, West Africa, and ending at Rosslyn Academy in Kenya, East Africa.

During the intervening years she raised her children, built her career as a successful French and English teacher at various schools in Winnipeg, including 15 years at Westgate Mennonite Collegiate, participated in church and community activities, travelled, and made many friends along the way.

After her retirement she continued teaching, this time in adult literacy and academic writing and tutoring. She was passionate about people and enjoyed keeping busy with social and volunteer activities.

Evelyn had a passion for travel. She visited over 35 countries and was especially fond of France. She loved to practice her language skills wherever she went.

Evelyn was not afraid to embrace new challenges. She taught us all a great deal about making choices and seeking serenity. Her determination to regain her footing after treatment of ovarian cancer in 2019 was awe-inspiring.  She so appreciated the ongoing support from her family and close friends during her illness.

A dear friend to everyone she met, Evelyn will live on in our hearts. “Cherish those you love” were her parting words in her final visits.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on Friday, December 15 at 11:00 am at Charleswood Mennonite Church, 699 Haney Street, Winnipeg, MB. A livestream of the service will be available above, or by clicking here. 

Donations in her memory may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba.

Evelyn's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​