I would like to start by thanking the family for giving me the privilege to speak on their behalf in honouring the life of Evelyn May Hill.
Married to Wesley, her life partner of 71 years. They did everything together on and off the farm. When you saw one you saw the other one. They even share the same birthday. Together the two of them made one. They always worked well together, no fighting or arguing. If they disagreed on something they always came to a compromise. Together they went to car shows and they both took pride in driving the old cars to go for lunch or just out for a coffee. Evelyn always commented about how many people came over to see the old cars and how much they liked them.
The loving and proud mother of Melvin, Eunice and Pauline. Evelyn was blessed to be a grandmother of four and great grandmother of five. Her children felt “she was the best Mom that anyone could ask for, very kind, caring, loving, and supportive.”
Evelyn lived a very full and productive life. An extremely hard working woman she not only dedicated her time and talents to her family, but also to her church and community. An active member of the Victoria Presbyterian Church. A big part of her life was volunteering. She was Secretary/Treasurer for the Prince School Board before amalgamation. She was a life member of the Prince Women’s Institute, and a representative in the Provincial Women’s Institute. The Women’s Institute members would often gather in her living room to make a quilt to raffle off or to give away.
She was a leader and member of the Prince museum board. “Prince Township has an incredible museum collection due to Evelyn’s foresight and tenacity. In the late 80’s, she successfully obtained government grants to restore the little 1885 Methodist church, that sits on the corner of the Community Centre property. In addition to housing numerous antiques, it has hosted a couple of ecumenical services, and this December 16th, the community will gather there for a Carol-Sing. Through Evelyn’s guidance, the museum grew to include the restored classroom within the Community Centre, then the small implement shed, followed by erection of the original Conway Homestead, and finally the large agricultural building that houses Charlie Parr’s restored farm equipment. This 5 building complex can truly be attributed to Evelyn’s efforts to capture early life in Prince Township. What a legacy she has left for all of us!”
Evelyn was always cooking and baking, her children would come home from school and there would be 12 loafs of fresh homemade bread, filling their home with a beautiful aroma. She was thrilled if someone would ask her for a recipe or how to make something, or just advice on anything.
She received several awards for her volunteer work throughout her life.
My personal relationship with “Mrs. Hill” was through 4-H. She was a tireless volunteer for 30 years teaching many, many young people valuable life skills of cooking, baking, sewing and gardening. Lessons were first taught at the Prince Community Center and when that location was no longer available she and Wesley opened their home to us. We filled their home with noise and confusion as we “learned to do by doing”. She shared her time and talents generously. In 1986 she was presented with a print for 30 years of volunteer leadership with local 4-H clubs. Evelyn Hill lived her life true to the 4-H pledge,
I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
my Health to better living
for my club, my community and my country.
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HILL, Evelyn May – Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at the age of 92. Beloved wife of Wesley for 71 years. Loving mother to Melvin, Eunice Poirier (Bob), and Pauline Pennett (Jeffrey). Proud grandma to Garbriel and Kenda Pennett, Melanie and Jennifer Hill and great grandma of Lyndsay, Chelsey, Bradley, Cody and Steven. Predeceased by her parents Frank and Ruth Isaacs. Sister of the late Frank Isaacs (late Marjorie), Mildred Goodhand (Bill) and Catherine Macintosh (Andy). Predeceased by her parent-in-laws Clarence and Ellen Hill. Sister-in-law of the late Eunice Hill, the late Wilbert (late Adele), the late Eileen MacIntyre (late Cecil), Marjorie Head (Gord) and Phyllis Allard (Reg). She will be remembered by several nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours. Friends are invited to join the family at the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. – 705-759-2522) on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Funeral service from the chapel on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11 am. Mrs. Mary Alice Policicchio officiating. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Prince Township. Memorial donations to A.R.C.H., Alzheimers Society, Victoria Presbyterian Church or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com
