Evelyn Margaret Louise Mackay

January 8, 1940- February 14, 2024

An unapologetic life, looking forward, rarely back.

Mom passed away quietly on February 14, 2024 after a long life and a winding road. In the final days when asked if she was ready, she enthusiastically said “OK, let’s go!”. She was ready to move on. Dementia has been part of her life recently, but her spirit was still there to the end. I am not sure who she was referring to as passengers with the “OK, let’s go!” comment, but we will assume that was a generalization.

As long as I can remember, Mom read the obits like others read their daily horoscope or the sports pages. In writing this, I feel that it should be entertaining and truthful as her spirit looks on and scans the obits. She will expect and appreciate a cheeky comeback. It is in our blood. It is the way we were raised.

If you are reading this, you are either family, friend, foe, or some respectable mourner who happened across this obituary while looking for that of a loved one. I hope this does not offend anyone, but I can tell you that mom was unapologetic in her approach to life.

Although the music was not her style, she used some lyrics to impart parental advice that I remember. She was fond of the lyrics to Trooper’s song “Raise a little hell” and said that we should follow that advice.

If you don't like what you got, why don't you change it?

If your world is all screwed up, then rearrange it?

If you don't like what you see, why don't you fight it?

If you know there's something wrong why don't you right it?

In the end it comes down to your thinking

And there's really nobody to blame

When it feels like your ship is sinking

And you're too tired to play the game

Nobody's going to help you

You've just gotta stand up alone

And dig in your heels and see how it feels

To raise a little Hell of your own

Mom’s life was long and full of changes, challenges, and adventures. She was near fearless and was ready to take on the world. Mom had no tolerance for bullshit. She suffered no fools, and she would let you know.

She touched many as her life unfolded. The people and places of her life included:

Her places:

She was born Evelyn Margaret Louise Brecknell in Saskatchewan, raised military and it showed. She was never afraid, nor hesitant to pull the tent spikes and move camp. You may have met her along the road in a variety of places. Base camps included stops in: Victoria, Sooke, East Sooke, Regina, Saskatoon, Halifax, Toronto, Barrie, Calgary, Nanaimo, North Saanich, Mudge Island, Cassidy, and Langford (at Jesken Aerie), and finally Esquimalt (at Sunset Lodge).

The outdoors were special to her. She loved her time exploring the backroads of Vancouver Island and the highways across Canada, camping, time on the beach, boating, and fishing. Freedom to move was her thing.

Her roles:

Mom had a variety of roles and was not shy to try new things from love or necessity. Her journey included: daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, nurse in a children’s hospital, working factory production lines at nights after nursing, sweeping sawdust in a mill, drycleaner, beauty supply delivery driver, kitchen staff, farm worker, upholsterer, and others. In her “spare” time she was unafraid to build or renovate houses, advocate for friends and family during health crisis, adopt and care for countless animals, and care for her few close friends.

Her family:

Born to Margaret Brecknell (nee Brahan), Raymond (Tim) Brecknell in Saskatchewan and raised with sisters Ruth, Catherine, and Marion mostly in the Victoria area. Ruth is now living in PEI but the rest have passed.

Marriages to Eric Lindroos (father of the boys), Hugh Randy, Hartley Wilson, then Roy Mackay. Eric and Roy are both living in the Victoria area, but Hugh and Hartley passed many years ago.

Applying her communication skills and protective instincts, she raised three loud boys of her own: Kari Lindroos, Brant Lindroos, and Kristofer (Kris) Lindroos and she also mothered and infused her spirit to Tash Fisher, Billy Zipp and Ed Zipp.

Evelyn’s granddaughter, Natasha (Tash) Fisher was the daughter she always wanted. From an early age, Tash and Mom were thick as thieves and always up for adventures. Tash has remained next to Mom’s side through all of life’s curveballs, moves, daily needs, and health issues. Kari and Brant and I are so very grateful for your connection and commitment to Mom and the family through all the trying times.

The surviving spouses, daughter-in laws, nieces, nephew, and grandchildren are many. The great- grandchildren are also growing quickly, as the generations continue on. Pictures of baby Theo have kept her entertained in her last weeks.

Some will remember her as Ev, Mom, Aunty, Gramma, “Ferry” Gramma, and some call her “G.G.”, but she will be remembered. She will be missed.

Special thanks:

Many thanks to the countless caregivers at Chown Place, Jesken Airie, and Sunset Lodge who have connected, laughed, shared stories, and provided comfort in mom’s final years.

Condolences:

Mom was never one for ceremony or fanfare. She wished to keep it simple and private, so there will be no public service. She taught us that change happens and we can deal with it. It won’t be easy, but we can and will endure. This is one of those changes. Enjoy the memories and look forward.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate it if you would use the “Add a Memory” button below to show your support and share a memory or photo of Evelyn with her family and friends.