On June 6, 2025 Mrs. Eva Glenn of Leduc passed away at the age of 78 years.

Eva is lovingly remembered by her five children: Lorraine (Doug) Cale of Westerose, AB, Bill Glenn (Tracy Van Norman of Calgary, AB, Alice Glenn (Shane Waters) of Leduc, AB, Tony (Emily) Glenn of Calgary, AB, Patti Glenn (Aaron Telasky) of Sherwood Park, AB, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Edmonton Crematorium & Funeral Home, 6403 Roper Road. Interment to follow at Glenwood Memorial Gardens.

 

Eva Glenn (née Dyck) – A Life of Strength and Resilience

Eva Glenn was born on November 17, 1946, in Herbert, Saskatchewan, the seventh of ten children born to Helena and Cornelis (“Corny”) Dyck. When she was three years old, her family moved to Caroline, Alberta, and shortly after, to Didsbury, Alberta. It was there that her father fell ill with cancer, leaving him unable to work. With no steady income, the family survived on relief, facing immense financial hardship.

Growing up in poverty, Eva learned early on the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience—qualities that would define her throughout her life. At a young age, she left school after Grade 8 to work at a local horse ranch, taking on domestic and farm chores. It was there that she developed a deep love for horses, a passion that would stay with her for the rest of her life.

During her teenage years, Eva met her first love, William Carson “Bill” Ogden, a friend of her oldest brother who at the time was in the military. Captivated by his charisma and the dreams he painted for their future; Eva married him on her 16th birthday. Bill, a Black veteran twenty years her senior, brought a sense of adventure and promise into her young life. Together, they had three children:
Tamara Lorraine, born in 1964; William Carson, born in 1966; and Alice Marie, born in 1970.

However, the life Eva had envisioned with Bill was far from the reality she faced. Bill struggled with alcoholism and spent time in and out of prison. Their family endured constant upheaval, moving frequently, and living through periods of domestic violence and deep poverty. Despite these hardships, Eva’s strength never wavered. She protected her children as best she could and carried
the weight of those years with quiet resilience and courage.

In 1972, Bill and Eva purchased their first home in Michichi, Alberta, for just $500. The modest house had three bedrooms, no running water—relying instead on a pump outside—and was heated by a coal stoker-fired furnace. It was a humble beginning, but it marked a significant step for Eva.

Eva’s resourcefulness wasn’t just a trait—it was a way of life, woven into everything she did. She had an incredible ability to see potential where others saw waste.

One of the most memorable examples of Eva’s creativity came in that first home. The wooden floor was full of splinters, so she gathered mismatched tile samples—each stamped with an order number—and carefully laid them down herself. The result was a colorful patchwork floor, a unique blend of practicality and love that protected her children and reflected her spirit.

Eva’s ingenuity didn’t stop there. She spent countless hours at her treadle sewing machine, repurposing used clothing into new outfits for her children. With every stitch, she turned hardship into care, and scarcity into something beautiful.

Later, while Bill was serving time in prison, Eva entered the workforce for the first time since their marriage. She took a job at the Coop department store—an opportunity she had never been allowed before, as Bill had previously forbidden her from working. The job marked a turning point in Eva’s life, offering her a sense of independence and resilience during a difficult chapter.

In 1974, Bill was incarcerated in Ponoka. During this time, Eva came to a painful realization: life with Bill would never truly change. With quiet strength, she began divorce proceedings and filed for a restraining order, determined to protect herself and her children from further harm.

Fueled by her determination to build a better life, Eva changed jobs, taking a position at the lunch counter in the Saan Store. The work was steady, and the income reliable. This job stability became a cornerstone for the next big step in her journey. In 1975, with her newfound independence and financial footing, they were approved to purchase their second home in Nacmine, a small community within the Town of Drumheller.

While working at the Saan Store, Eva noticed a particular patron who came in nearly every day. He wasn’t just there for the coffee or the daily special and he always sat in her section. That waitress was Eva. At first, she thought little of it, believing that he was not interested in her but her friend. But over time, their conversations grew longer, warmer, more personal.

Eva could hardly believe it. After years of emotional and psychological abuse, she had come to see herself through the lens of that pain—unworthy, invisible, unlovable. The idea that someone could take a genuine interest in her, not out of pity or obligation, but out of admiration and care, felt almost impossible. And yet, here he was—kind, consistent, and patient.

That’s when Eva truly met the love of her life—her savior Bernard (Bud) Harry Glenn. In a time when she was rebuilding from the ground up, he offered her something she hadn’t known in in life: kindness without condition, companionship without control, and love without fear. It was the beginning of a new chapter, not just of survival, but of healing.

But the past wasn’t finished with her yet.

On November 11, 1975—Remembrance Day—Bill showed up at Eva’s home while she was at work. As a veteran, Eva had feared he might appear on that day, and her instincts were right. Not knowing what he might do and fearing for the safety of her and her children, Eva decided that she wouldn’t go home that night. Instead, she slept in her car with her kids, parked somewhere safe, wrapped in blankets and uncertainty.

The next morning, exhausted but resolute, Eva drove to Bud’s. She arrived on his doorstep with her children and the weight of everything she had endured. Bud welcomed them in without hesitation— and from that day forward, Eva never left.

It wasn’t just a new home. It was the beginning of a life where she was safe, respected, and loved.

In July 1975, Eva discovered she was pregnant. The news stirred a storm of fear and uncertainty— shaped in part by the insecurities she still carried from her first marriage. Bud was 22 years her senior and already a father to three grown children with families of their own. For three months, she carried the weight of that secret, unsure of how he would respond. But when she finally told him,
Bud received the news with grace and compassion. It was a surprise, but became a turning point – one that deepened the bond between them in ways neither of them could have foreseen.

On November 27, 1976, surrounded by hope, healing, and the promise of a better future, Eva and Bud were married. In a powerful act of love and commitment, Bud legally adopted Lorraine, Bill, and Alice—changing not only their names but the course of their lives.

Their son, Anthony (Tony) Rae, was born on March 22, 1977, bringing new life and laughter into their home. Not long after, the growing family relocated to Edmonton, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in the city. Three years later, on January 10, 1980, their daughter Patti June was born,
completing their family and filling their home with even more love and joy.

In 1981, Bud and Eva made their final move—to the town of Leduc. It was there they would put down roots, raise their children, and build a life filled with love, resilience, and quiet strength. Leduc became their forever home.

Eva’s talents extended far beyond the kitchen and garden—she was also a skilled and tireless renovator. Her home was not just a place to live; it was a canvas for her creativity and a reflection of her vision. She spent countless hours stripping, sanding, painting, and restoring, often working late into the evening with music playing softly in the background.

What made Eva truly remarkable was her ability to visualize the result long before the first brushstroke or hammer swing. Eva saw potential, she could walk into a room and instantly imagine its transformation—color, texture, light, and warmth all coming together in her mind’s eye.

Her renovations weren’t about luxury—her home became a living expression of her care, her creativity, and her unshakable belief in making the most of what you have.

Eva’s heart swelled with joy as her daughter Lorraine embarked on a new chapter, marrying Douglas Rowland Cale and just months later, on September 9, Eva welcomed her first granddaughter, Tiffani Sharell, into the world. Though she was only 34, she embraced her roles as both a devoted mother and a proud grandmother with boundless love and energy.

For Eva, family was everything, and she met this new season of life with open arms. She found fulfillment in nurturing not just her own children but now the next generation. Leduc became the backdrop to countless precious moments—first steps, whispered lullabies, and the laughter of a growing family.

She embraced the growing responsibilities of grandmotherhood with open arms, finding immense fulfillment in watching her grandchildren explore the world.

Life wasn’t grand or extravagant, but it was full. It was everything Eva had dreamed of, and even more than she could have hoped for with Bud, who stood steadfast by her side.

In the years that followed, Eva blossomed. She chose to live with purpose and joy. Her home became a place of warmth and welcome—not just for family, but for the entire neighborhood.

Eva was an avid baker, and her kitchen was always filled with the comforting aromas of fresh bread, cookies, and pies. She didn’t just bake for herself or her family—she baked for everyone. There likely wasn’t a single neighbor on her street who hadn’t received a plate of her homemade treats. Eva’s baked goods were her way of spreading kindness.

And then there were the birthday cakes.

No one could count how many she made over the years. Each one was lovingly crafted, often personalized with favorite flavors, decorations and themes.

Eva’s baking wasn’t about perfection—it was about connection. Every loaf, every cookie, every cake was a reminder that love could be shared in the simplest, most delicious ways.

Eva’s joy multiplied as her family continued to grow. On July 28, 1984, she welcomed her second granddaughter, Ashley Renee, followed by her first grandson, Steven Douglas, born on May 13, 1989. With each new arrival, her home in Leduc became even more vibrant—a place filled with the laughter of children, the warmth of family gatherings, and the quiet wisdom of a woman who cherished every moment.

In the years that followed, Eva’s family continued to grow at a breathtaking pace. The house in Leduc became a hub of energy and excitement as more grandchildren arrived in quick succession, each bringing their own unique light to the family.

Eva’s heart had always known how to expand, making room for love wherever it was needed. Her oldest son Bill married in 1988 and his eldest daughter, Amber Lynn, arrived on June 6, 1989, followed by closely by Corissa on October 18, 1990.

Alice married and welcomed her daughter Cassandra (Cassie) Rose on May 12, 1990, Eva’s heart expanded once more to embrace them fully.

Just as Eva had begun to reclaim her strength and settle into a rhythm of quiet gratitude, life once again tested her resilience. The love of her life—her steadfast partner, Bud—fell seriously ill in 1990. What began as fatigue and shortness of breath soon revealed itself to be heart failure, and Bud was admitted to the hospital for urgent care. Doctors recommended an Angio cardiogram to better understand the extent of Bud’s condition, During the procedure, Bud suffered a stroke.

The news hit like a thunderclap—sudden, disorienting, and deeply painful. Eva’s world, once so full of laughter and light, dimmed in an instant. Yet in the face of this devastating turn, she did what she had always done: she stood strong steadfast for Bud, for her family, and for the life they had built together.

In the days that followed, Eva became Bud’s fiercest advocate and most devoted caregiver. Bud’s stroke marked a turning point in both his life and Eva’s. The man who had once been her rock— steady, strong, and full of quiet wisdom—now needed her in ways neither of them had ever imagined. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with therapy sessions, doctor visits, and the slow, painstaking process of recovery. But Eva never wavered.

Though Bud’s health would never fully return to what it once was, he remained by Eva’s side, and she by his.

On June 26, 1993, her daughter Alice gave birth to a son—Peter Lionel—a bright-eyed boy who would soon become another light in Eva’s ever-expanding world.

On March 9, 1995, Eva’s heart welcomed yet another precious soul into her ever-growing family— Jessica Michelle, the youngest daughter of Bill.

Eva was also a passionate baseball and hockey fan. A devoted Toronto Blue Jays supporter, she rarely missed a game, cheering on her team with enthusiasm and heart. Her love for the sport extended beyond the television screen—when her daughter Patti played fastball, Eva became the team’s scorekeeper. She traveled all over Alberta, faithfully attending games and keeping meticulous records, always ready with encouragement and support from the sidelines. Her
dedication to both the game and her family was unwavering, and her presence was a cherished part of every season.

In December 1995, life presented Eva with a new and unexpected obstacle. She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)—a moment that could have shaken even the strongest spirit. But Eva, ever the pillar of grace and courage, faced her diagnosis with the same unwavering strength and optimism that had defined her life.

Her treatment journey was not easy. It began with a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The physical toll was immense—she lost all her hair, and painful sores developed in her mouth and nose. Yet through it all, Eva never lost her light. She met each day with good humor, a positive attitude, and a quiet determination that inspired everyone around her.

By her side through every appointment and treatment was her dear friend Lori Kustra. Lori’s presence was a source of comfort and strength, a reminder that Eva was never alone in her fight. Together, they faced the long drives, the waiting rooms, and the uncertainty with laughter, shared stories, and an unbreakable bond.

Even in the darkest moments, Eva remained a beacon of hope for her family. She continued to nurture, to listen, and to love—never allowing illness to define her. Her grandchildren still found warmth in her embrace, her children still leaned on her wisdom, and her home in Leduc remained a sanctuary of love and resilience.

Eva’s battle with cancer became yet another testament to her enduring spirit. She showed her family what it meant to face adversity with grace, to find light in the shadows, and to never let go of hope.

On June 16, 2001, Tony married his high school sweetheart, Emily. Just months later, on February 23, 2002, in Calgary, Eva welcomed her granddaughter Chloe Anne Eileen. Chloe’s arrival brought a fresh wave of joy into Eva’s life—a new little one to love, to guide, and to cherish and then on April 4, 2006, Eva’s heart expanded once more with the birth of Kate Ava Rose, Tony and Emily’s second
daughter.

As the months passed, Bud’s health continued to decline. The stroke had left its mark, and though Eva remained by his side with unwavering devotion, the toll on his body became more and more apparent. Each day brought new challenges— but Eva met them all with the same quiet strength that had defined her life.

She cared for Bud with tenderness and dignity, never once letting him feel like a burden. Their love, forged over decades of shared joys and hardships, became even more profound in those final months.

Then, on June 1, 2007, Bud passed away.

Eva was devastated.

The man who had stood beside her through many chapters of her life—the father of her children, her partner in every sense—was gone. The grief was deep and consuming. Her world, once so full of shared laughter and quiet companionship, now felt achingly silent.

Eva mourned deeply, but she also remembered deeply. She kept Bud’s memory alive in stories, in traditions, and in the quiet strength she continued to show every day. Her grief became a part of her, but so too did the love that had defined their life together.

In the quiet years that followed Bud’s passing, Eva carried her grief with grace. She filled her days
with family, gardening, and did some volunteer work and the familiar rhythms of home, but the
absence of her lifelong partner left a space in her heart that nothing seemed to fill.

Then, in 2010, something unexpected happened—Eva met Ken Batke.

Ken shared many of Eva’s passions, especially her love for gardening. With Ken, Eva found someone who brought light into the spaces that had long been shadowed by sorrow.

Ken didn’t try to replace Bud—he simply stood beside Eva, offering companionship, warmth, and a renewed sense of purpose. He became her partner in the garden, where they spent countless hours tending to flowers, vegetables, and the quiet beauty of nature. Together, they transformed Eva’s yard into a vibrant sanctuary, full of color and life.

Beyond the garden, Ken also became an invaluable help with Eva’s many renovation projects. Whether it was fixing a fence, painting a room, or building something new, Ken was always ready with a tool in hand. Their teamwork brought fresh energy into Eva’s home and into her life.

For Eva, Ken filled a deep void left by Bud’s passing, not by replacing the past, but by honoring it and helping Eva move forward.