It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Shepel on Friday, December 16, 2022, with her daughters Christina and Susan at her side at Kildonan Personal Care Home. She was 82 years old.
Evelyn leaves to mourn her passing: her daughters Mary Shepel, Christina Shepel, and Susan Lepki (George) and 2 grandchildren: Kaitlin and Nicholas Lepki. She is also survived by her siblings: Patricia Derewanko, Elizabeth Sanduliak, and Robert (Marianna) Fedoryshyn, as well as many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Paul and Beatrice Fedoryshyn, her son Nick Shepel, and her brother Karol Fedoryshyn.
Evelyn was born in Winnipeg on June 29, 1940. She grew up in the North End of the city and as a child, she enjoyed helping her Father in his grocery store on Selkirk Avenue. After graduating from Sisler High School, she worked and loved to go to the beach with her friends and family on the train. At the age of 24, Evelyn married and moved to Portage La Prairie where she lived for the next 17 years. She gave birth to 4 children and life consisted of raising her children and working on the farm. In 1983 she moved to Winnipeg with her children and started a new life. Starting over was extremely difficult, but she always made her family her priority. She worked at several different jobs over the years and eventually retired from Rice Financial. During this time, her children finished High School and went on to post secondary education. Evelyn was always so proud of each one of her children. Although life was busy, she always found time to plan family gatherings, or day trips to the beach.
When Evelyn’s grandchildren Kaitlin and Nicholas were born, her life was full of joy and happiness. She spent as much time as she could with them and could not wait to retire and assist with caring for them. One of Kaitlin and Nicholas’ fondest memories is of baking muffins with their Grandma.
For many years Evelyn volunteered at Seven Oaks Hospital in the gift shop. She utilized her musical talent by organizing and running a choir called the Community Singers. This choir brought great joy to our Mother for over 10 years. She also loved gardening which was evidenced by the luscious plants and blooming flowers in her garden. Her love of animals was reflected by having dogs and budgies as pets.
Due to failing health, Evelyn moved to Kildonan Personal Care Home in 2018. She spent her remaining years there and the staff commented about her witty sense of humor and kindness. She loved visits from her family as well as her grand-dog Wesley.
We would like to extend their extreme gratitude to the staff at Kildonan Personal Care Home for the care and loving kindness they provided our Mother since 2018.
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy that we had so many years
I gave to you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love
You each have shown,
But now it’s time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on;
So if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say
“WELCOME HOME”
Author Unknown
VUCHNAYA PAMYAT
In honor of Evelyn’s memory, donations can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation-Nick Shepel Neuroscience Trainee Travel Award https://www.sbrc.ca/2022/03/2022-nick-shepel-neuroscience-trainee-travel-award/
Navigate to the bottom of this page and click on 'Please Donate' (in white text, in the middle, bottom of the page)
This directs you to:
https://secure2.convio.net/stbhf/site/Donation2?1760.donation=form1&df_id=1760&mfc_pref=T
• Select donation frequency: one-time (or monthly)
• Specify donation amount,
• Gift designation: select 'Other'
• Specify: Nick Shepel Neuroscience Trainee Travel Award
• Yes, I am making a tribute gift.
o My gift is: In Memory of:
o First Name: Evelyn
o Last Name: Shepel
• Next page: where the payment details are entered.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresfuneralhome.com for the Shepel family.
