Evelyn Brooks

Born in Toronto, in her 88th year, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, adventure and joyful living.

She was full of life —curious, passionate, driven, warm-hearted, and always ready for the next adventure. Travel and outdoors were a few of her great joys; she delighted in discovering new places, meeting new people, and bringing home stories and creating photo journals from her trips to share around the table. Evelyn was always interested in learning, graduating in the sciences, from University of Toronto, and working as a Dietitian at Toronto Western Hospital and later as Head of Food Services and Nutrition with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). No matter where she went, her heart was always with her family.

As a wife, Evelyn was a devoted partner and best friend to James for over 70 years, a true companion in life’s ups and downs. They met in high school when Evelyn asked James to the Sadie Hawkins dance, and it was the start of an everlasting lifelong love. Evelyn and James did everything together—from raising a family of 4 children, to sports, actively working out daily for health, the arts and travel, to shared academic interests. Their deep love and companionship were felt by everyone who knew them – it was unwavering, visible, and enduring, a beautiful example of a joyful life shared fully together.

Evelyn’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and her joy. She showed up for every milestone she could, celebrated every success (big and small), and made each of them feel deeply seen and cherished. As a mother, she was steady and loving, offering wisdom, championing their dreams and pursuits, laughing with them, and always providing them with a safe place to land.

Giving back to others was woven into who she was. Whether through spearheading the children’s breakfast program at TDSB, volunteering for the countless school and sporting activities the family participated in, helping neighbors, or quietly supporting those in need, she believed deeply in kindness as a way of life.

Her home was a place of welcome, her presence a comfort, and her laughter a gift. Evelyn loved quilting, playing the piano, gardening, and she was a gourmet cook, annually hosting large family events like apple picking. She taught us how to live fully, love generously, and show up for one another. While our hearts ache in her absence, we are grateful for the many years we were blessed to share with her and for the countless memories that will continue to guide and warm us.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by husband James; her sister, Shirley; her children Lenore(Dahir), Greg(Jeanette), Sheryl(late), and Brenda(Tom); her grandchildren Victoria(Orry), Laura(Moosky), Katie, Jade, John, Andrew, Maya, and Brooke; and her great-grandchildren Jace and Aminah.

As we mourn the loss of Evelyn, we find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind. Her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family will forever serve as a guiding light for all who knew her.

The family appreciates all your prayers and kind gestures during this difficult time.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Evelyn on Wednesday March 4, 2026, at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1K 2B5. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Service from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

A committal service will take place at Westminster Cemetery, Mausoleum & Cremation Centre, 5830 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M2R 1Y6, on March 4, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Evelyn’s memory may be made to Toronto Educational Opportunity Fund (TEOF), nutrition programs for children in school, or Canadian Cancer Society – Breast Cancer.

You can also add a memory and expressions of sympathy online at Jerrettfuneralhome.com (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/toronto-on/evelyn-brooks-12765172) for the family of Evelyn Brooks.

For those not able to attend the service, you are welcome to view the service through the Livestream link as we celebrate a life well lived.

Livestream Link: https://fweb.tv/240210