Evelyn was born in London, Ontario in 1941, the eldest of four children born to John and Frances Mardlin. During her youth Evelyn could be found on the farm working with her Dad or spending time with her Mom in the kitchen. Frances and Ev were like sisters and what one didn’t think of the other did. Evie was the big sister and no one knew better than brother Jack how important that role was to her. Hazel recalls her big sister being vibrant, passionate, fashionable and sewing the latest styles - "simply incredible and much loved by family and friends".
Evelyn met her true love Bill in 1956 at the age of 15, graduated from Medway high school in 1958 and began her career with the Bank of Montreal. Ev and Bill married in September 1960 and in 1963, with the prospect of employment within the forestry industry and the opportunity for Bill to play for the Prince George Mohawks they travelled to Prince George. The trip out west was memorable and Brad was born in November that same year. Bart soon followed in 1965.
In 1965, Bill and Ev discovered Parrens Beach at Stuart Lake. Weekend trips to the lake were routine in the summer. Ev and Bill enjoyed boating, fishing and playing cards with their summer friends who soon became year-round, lifelong friends.
Family was everything to Ev. Brad and Bart remember well the early morning hockey practices in the “frozen” station wagon with their Mom bundled up and a cup of coffee in hand. She spent innumerable hours spectating, supporting and fundraising for their various activities.
In 1988 Ev was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she bravely fought and won! It was that which encouraged Bill and Ev to live life to its fullest. They loved to travel and were fortunate to make many trips to Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Disneyland and Yuma. They fell in love with Yuma and in 2008 Country Roads became their annual winter home. Ev loved the social life of Country Roads and could be found line dancing, hoola hooping and singing in the choir, sometimes all three in one day. Ev loved the stage and found her niche with the drama group. In 2019 the play was sold out with over 500 in attendance. She became quite the celebrity and loved every minute of it. Clearly, this was just one of her many callings.
In 2006, after 28 years Ev retired from the Prince George Regional Hospital, a job she loved.
Evelyn is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 64 years, her sons Brad (Donna) and Bart (Deborah). Grandchildren Kelsey (Jeff), Jared (Taylor), Erika (Vasko) and Noah. Sisters Hazel (Wayne) and Marlene and Brother Jack (Wilda). Ev’s most recent treasure is her Great Granddaughter Millie Evelyn. Millie put another sparkle in “GG’s” eyes who loved FaceTiming and sharing books with her.
Ev, Evie, Mom, Grandma and GG we miss you. Words can’t describe how much we will miss you. Our love and thoughts are with you. We will always cherish your memories and the fine example you set for us.
No service by request.
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