Evelyn Elizabeth Marshall

Evelyn Elizabeth MARSHALL (Hardie) April 25, 1921 to February 27, 2011. It is with great sorrow that the family of Evelyn announce the passing of their beloved Mother. Predeceased by her parents John and Sarah (Sally) Hardie and her brothers Ronald and Alan.

Referred to as “Scottie” by her late husband Dave, she leaves behind her children; Elaine Freney (Brian), Janice Zingel (Ron), Brad Marshall (Alison). Grandchildren Kyle Freney, Vanessa & Reid Zingel, Jessica, Joel, Kelsey Marshall as well as her sisters Alison Gauld, Marjorie Renton, sister-in-law Lucy Hardie and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn immigrated to Canada from Scotland in October 1948. She had enjoyed working for the British Railways for many years and came armed with many references attributing to her stellar work ethics and integrity which remained true to her character her whole life. She began work for the CPR in Calgary and met and married Dave in 1950 and they started and raised their family in Calgary. Evelyn’s hands were always “on the go,” she was a worker bee who loved to bake, sew and stitch, which carried forth in her years of working for the Bay in the fabrics department, and later Smith’s Fashion Fabrics, where she was sought for her care for customers and knowledge of materials and love for clothes and color. Mom spent countless hours laying out patterns and sewing lovely clothes for her daughters and herself. Once Mom even tackled a man’s dress suit for Dad! Even the girls’ Barbie dolls had exquisite couture outfits! Mom’s finesse with a needle and thread also resulted in many beautiful cross-stitch and Petit Point pictures. Mom was also a whiz at knitting.

Travelling was her passion and she and her sister Alison enjoyed many memorable trips journeying throughout the world. She loved interior design, fine fashions, and jewellery. Mom was a voracious reader who especially loved historical romances. She enjoyed listening to classical music, watching Jeopardy, playing Scrabble and working on crossword puzzles.

Though petite in stature, she was strong and had a fighter’s spirit right up to the end. A woman of true grit, energy, and awareness who overcame life’s challenges head on. Mom was an intelligent person with a quick sense of humour and a soft heart, although she did not suffer fools. Throughout her life Mom remained true to herself and her beliefs. She kept childhood memories of her beloved Scotland alive through the re-telling of “life at home” stories of the Hardie/Leckie clan in Edinburgh.

Her first devotion was always to her family, who will greatly miss her. In her life, Mom always cared for all the things that count. Life’s work – well done MOM.

Mom lived her last six years at the Lake Bonavista Village, where she met many nice people and established a number of enduring friendships.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family in the Guest Book section found adjacent to this biography.