Frances Evelyn Gyles

Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband and lifelong partner Norman Gyles, her five children: Jennifer (Jim Wilderman), Geoffrey (Jennifer), Heather, Norman (Shelley), Garry (Shannon); her ten grandchildren: Brittany Wilderman (Shaun Tucker), Tessa Wilderman, Jason Gyles, Collin Gyles (Lindsey), Lindsay Toshiro (Ryan), Nelson Boyce, Veronica Boyce, Kaitlyn Gyles (Mike Arsenault), Blake Gyles, Jesse Gyles, and her six great grandchildren: Lyla and Everett Tucker, Charlotte Gyles, and Patrick, Victoria, and Grace Tashiro. She also leaves to mourn her loss: brother Lawrence Flaws (Allison), sisters in law Pat Flaws, Maureen Fenn and Nancy Gyles (Tim Weir) and brother in law Billy Gyles. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Frank and Eva Flaws, her brother Bill Flaws, and sister in law Marilyn Kains.

Frances Evelyn was born November 16, 1932, at home, in the middle of a snowstorm in the rural Mayfield Manitoba area, eldest sister to brothers Bill and Lawrence. She enjoyed sharing stories of her early life such as her rides to the local one-roomed schoolhouse by horse and wagon. Evelyn moved in with extended family to attend high school in Portage La Prairie. In 1949 the family moved to Beverly St. in Winnipeg and Evelyn graduated grade 12 at Daniel McIntyre. Following graduation she attended Normal School and received a teacher’s certificate. She taught for one year in Petersfield. The following year she went to work at Daly Display until she met and married Norman in 1955. Together they raised five children, always with a family dog and cat. As her family grew, Evelyn began a career with the University of Manitoba in the Financial Aid and Awards department. She continued to work there until her retirement in 1997.

Evelyn’s early rural life led to her love of nature. She knew the names of all the trees, plants, flowers, and berries as well as birds and wildlife. She enjoyed collecting wild fruits to make her jams and jellies.

Evelyn had a lifelong desire to learn. In 1981, at the age of 49, while raising her family, Evelyn obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at the University of Winnipeg. She accomplished this by taking a night course annually for fifteen years, demonstrating her sheer determination to succeed.

Evelyn was an avid reader, reading everything from fiction to history, magazines, journals, cookbooks, atlases, and even dictionaries. She had an amazing memory and could have challenged any Jeopardy contestant. She had a keen interest in geography and history, especially her family history. These interests led her to immensely enjoy the cultural and historical backgrounds of the places she visited and travelled to. Evelyn kept up on current events throughout her life by watching the daily news and reading the paper. Her attention to detail was evident in her ability to remember all relatives’ birthdays and significant annual events. Evelyn’s love for her family was never in question. You could count on a personal birthday or holiday card in the mail in her familiar handwriting, as well as a phone call wishing you well. She was always in attendance at special family events.

Evelyn loved this time of year. At Christmas, she would bake her traditional white and dark fruitcake, fudge, and gingerbread men. She loved making her lists, writing her cards and letters, picking out and wrapping gifts, decorating, and celebrating with her family.

Together Evelyn and her husband Norman celebrated 62 years of marriage. Throughout Evelyn’s life her strength of character was demonstrated in her dedication and love for her family, her kind strength and quiet courage. She was very tolerant, accepting, and her mild manner was her endearing trait. Evelyn will forever be remembered as a calm, patient, and devoted wife, sister, mother, grannie, great-grannie, and aunt. We will all miss her.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Seven Oaks for the care and comfort they provided Evelyn in her final days

Evelyn was a philanthropist and regularly donated to numerous charities throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Evelyn’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity your choice.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday December20, 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

Internment and a will celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at a later date.

“I’m curious about everything. Even subjects that don’t interest me.” Alex Trebek