Obituaries

Anna Ruth Evans (née MacKillop)
January 27, 1930 – October 13, 2025

With sadness and love, we announce the passing of Anna Ruth Evans, at the age of 95, on October 13, 2025, at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. She leaves behind a legacy anchored on the things she cherished most: family and friendship.

Anna was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John “Herkie” Evans (2021), and her younger sister, Evelyn Thompson (1998).

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Paula and Bruce; son-in-law, Gordon Nash; and former daughter-in-law, Catherine Hill Evans. Anna was a devoted and proud grandmother to Trevor (Lynne), Lauren (Brandon), Conner (Alana), and Courtney, and a cherished great-grandmother to Cayden, Logan, Leo, and Stella. She will also be missed by Bobby and Margie Evans, as well as nieces and nephews from the Evans and Thompson families.

Born in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Anna was the eldest child of Florence (née Greenwell) and Edward MacKillop. A strong student, she began working at Eaton’s at just 13 and later graduated from Sydney Academy before training as a stenographer. She worked for the juvenile court for many years, then later for Statistics Canada as an Enumerator and Supervisor.

Throughout her life, Anna supported John’s federal government career with grace and resilience, moving their family across Canada – Bedford, Toronto (2x), Winnipeg (2x), Edmonton, Moncton, and then back to Winnipeg in 1987.

Anna loved to entertain and be entertained. She was a passionate bridge player, a regular volunteer, and an avid fan of theatre and musicals. She and John travelled extensively – visiting Hawaii, Australia (9 winters), Singapore, Mexico, Portugal, the Caribbean, and Florida (11 winters).

One of Anna’s favourite places was Victoria Beach, Manitoba, where the family spent over 50 summers. From 1989 to 2007, she worked part-time at the Victoria Beach Golf Course when John managed it. The cottage became a hub of joy, especially when her grandchildren came to stay.

In her final years, Alzheimer’s gradually stole pieces of Anna’s mind and weakened her body, but her deep love for family never faded. Her family is very grateful to her devoted group of companion aids – Poonam, Merna, Rosita, Marilyn, Brenda, Carol, and Patrick – for their support and companionship, and to the exceptional Tower 4 staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassionate care in her final months, and in particular the ‘end of life’ care that Anna received.

Anna also enjoyed eight happy years at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to WRHA Health Aides Jocelyn and Rhoda, whose wonderful care allowed her to stay there as long as possible.

Anna was the heart of her family, and her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched. Her warmth, humour, and strength touched everyone who knew her. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Winnipeg; friends will be notified.

Memorial tributes may be made at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.ca

Please consider making a donation in Anna’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at www.alzheimer.mb.ca. Thank you.

Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Helen Lowrie Marshall