September 1, 1927 – March 15, 2018
at the age of 90 years
Evelyn was born in Hodgson MB to Ada Theodora Christina Parks and Joseph Elie Achille Champagne. She grew up on a farm near Fisher Branch, MB with 9 brothers and sisters. Her father died when she was just 3 and her mother later married John Arthur Roy.
Evelyn married Wilbert Thomas Penrice on Sept 1, 1947 in Winnipeg, MB. Together they raised 6 children; Ernest (& Louise), Marjorie Scharf, Patricia (& Bill Green), Garry (& Lynne), Robert (& Julie) and Curtis.
Evelyn was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She had the ability to create a special relationship with each member of her family, regardless of age; a trait shared by her mother.
Grandchildren are Cheryle (& Brian) Kristensen, Jeff (& April) Penrice, Mike Scharf, Lisa Scharf (& Tim Crane), Jacqueline (& Dave) Kennedy, Jennifer Green, John (& Tanya) Green and Amanda Penrice. Great Grandchildren: Ryan (& Alex), Emily & Kathryn Kristensen, Kayla & Cole Penrice, Alicia & Christian Shirreff, John, Kole and Meaghan (& Cody Black) Green, Jayden & Lincoln Davis. Great Great Grandchildren: Arya Shirreff , Kendall Evelyn Black and James Kristensen. Evelyn also embraced her extended Kennedy family; Chris, Jen, Jackson and Dylan as well as Jennifer and Oliver.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Wilbert in 2015, her siblings Agnes, William, Cecelia, Norman, Olive, Cecil, Blanche and Jean, and great great grandson Oliver. Evelyn is survived by her brother Ted and sisters in law Mulvina Champagne and Laura Johnson.
Evelyn was a beautiful home maker and provider. She loved to make her own bread and became famous for her “meals on wheels’ in later years when she travelled to Arizona to winter, and then on camping holidays right up to 2017. She loved to garden and her flowers were always beautiful. She loved nature and appreciated every creation. The hummingbirds will miss her specially prepared nectar.
Evelyn also loved sports and was quite competitive. She participated at a high level in golf, curling, shuffleboard, lawn bowling and cards. She was always game to try something new and was usually quite successful. Evelyn was a prolific knitter of her special slippers and everyone in the family had their own personalized pair.
Mom passed with dignity and grace at the age of 90 with her family at her side following a short illness. She will be sorely missed, always loved and never forgotten.
A private family gathering has been held and a Celebration of Life service will take place in the Edmonton area at a later date. The Evelyn Penrice Memorial Golf Tournament will be hosted by her family to honour Evelyn each year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.
Dear Curt (and family). Thank you for travelling out to Grindrod to let us know of your mom’s passing. You both were part of our “Regulars” group at Birchdale Golf Course. I can picture her smile and the pride she had when a number of your family came out with her last summer for a round of golf! Family was definitely a big part of her life. May you keep sharing the many good memories of her and make new ones in her honour.
To Curt and your family: Our sympathy and prayers to you on the passing of your mom. We at Club Shuswap Golf & RV in Salmon Arm have fond memories of you and your mom heading out on a golf cart for your game of golf. Cherish those memories!
Curt I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. I loved her dearly and will always remember the great fun we had going to bingo and playing cards when she and Wib lived in Ontario. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love to all
Curt and family. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. My family and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you all. Curt, I’m sure you will miss her as she was a great Mom, friend and golf partner all rolled into one. Talk soon buddy… Jim Thomson