Elsie Mary (Lepine) Bevan

Elsie was born in Pre Saint-Marie, Saskatchewan on December 1st, 1932. Passing peacefully with family members present December 19th, 2022. She would be the sixth of seven children. Her parents Joseph and Emerance Lepine. Her first few years were on the family homestead as the family made a living dairy farming. They would move to BC taking up residence on Howe Street downtown Vancouver. They would settle on a farm near Cloverdale once again making a living farming. Elsie was an active participant on the farm helping with milking and any other farm related activities.

Her adult life began in 1951 at age 19 when she joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. Service to our country was incredibly important to Elsie. Basic training would take her to Quebec. Then back to BC, Elsie would work in aircraft control. A couple years later she would meet a very young but energetic man, David Bevan. They would marry on September 8th, 1956. Soon after their first child Tal was born, and not much time later David would join the family. In 1960 they would have a daughter Theresa Ann Marie (Tami). By this time, they had been posted to Parent, Quebec and back to BC. By 1964 they would relocate to Tacoma, Washington. In Tacoma the last family member would join the traveling Bevans. Another boy, Blake born in 1967. The family would go on to live back in BC, North Bay Ontario, back to Tacoma, Hermantown Minnesota, yes once again back in BC and one more stop in Minnesota.

Elsie would lose the only love she ever had in February 1979. Elsie made the decision that the west coast was where she would put down permanent stakes. Elsie was an incredible artist. Along with sister Leah they would open a ceramic studio, she was also a very talented painter. Mum’s life was always full of prayer, friends and devotion to family. She was involved with the Charismatic Catholic Renewal, Alpha program, Life in Spirit Seminars and a founding member of the St. Paul’s Catholic Singles Club. In addition, Elsie gave to significant charities. Many in third world countries. Over the last ten years Elsie settled into a retired living community. Mum enjoyed the company of friends always ready for a cribbage game. She loved visits from her grandkids and lived long enough to become a great grandmother.

She is survived by her sister Joyce (Bob) Linegar, All her four children Tal (Michelle), David (Caroline) Tami (Kerian) and Blake (Christy) 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Elsie will be laid to rest next to her late husband David and other family members at Valley View Memorial Park, in Surrey BC.