Evelyn (Pye) Barrie, loving and beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away on June 2, 2024 in Halifax, Nova Scotia after a battle with cancer. Born in Florence, Nova Scotia to John and Evelyn (Hilliard) Pye on September 20, 1943, her family moved shortly thereafter to Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, where Evelyn grew up. The third of eleven children, Evie (as she was commonly called by her family) was a fierce defender and supporter of her siblings whom she loved dearly and who loved her in return. She was proud to be a part of a family that, though large, remained close.
Evelyn loved school and learning new things, a passion she carried with her throughout her life. After graduating with top marks from Sydney Mines High School in 1960, Evelyn completed a diploma from Cape Breton Business College in Sydney in 1962 and then worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia branches in North Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia. At her brother's wedding, Evie met the love of her life, Blaine Barrie, and married him on May 20, 1967. Evie always wanted to travel and see the world. She and Blaine honeymooned with a trip to Montreal to visit Expo 67, and later in life travelled across Canada, the United States, to Europe, and to Africa.
Evelyn and Blaine moved across the Maritimes as Blaine's career led them at various times to live in Halifax, Greenwood, Barrington Passage and Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and in Summerside, Alberton and Charlottetown, PEI. They had three children together, all boys, each born in a different province. When the youngest reached high school, Evelyn resumed her career in banking, working for the CIBC branches in Alberton and Tignish, PEI.
After she retired, Evelyn moved with Blaine to Bedford, Nova Scotia to be close to their grandchild. Looking after and spending time with her grandchild as he was growing up were some of Evelyn's favourite moments of her later years, as well as spending time with her family and the many friends she made throughout her life.
A truly caring and nurturing person, Evelyn was an advocate for and provided emotional support to many members of her family over the years. She was an amazing and devoted mother to her three boys, all of whom count themselves blessed to have had her for a Mom. She and Blaine had an incredible marriage, doing almost everything together, rarely being apart. He will miss her deeply.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents and two brothers (Herb and Johnny). She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Blaine, and her three children, Brent (Juanita Nicholson), Scott and Trevor, her grandchild Xander, her sisters Hannah, Jacqueline, Doreen and Lana, and her brothers Silby, Victor, Robert, Richard and Spencer.
A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held Wednesday, June 5th from 2 pm to 5 pm at J.A. Snow's Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Church service will take place Thursday, June 6th at 2 pm at St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1288 Bedford Highway, Bedford. Nova Scotia.
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