“Beloved By All”, Evelyn Mae Ladouceur transitioned from this plane Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023.

Evelyn is survived by Daughters Darlene Kerekes and Wanda Shipp, Son Ken Kerekes (Sharlene) Great Grandson Bryan Williamson-Kerekes, Sisters Ruth Callahan and Gladys Zielstra, Brother Ray Stevenson (Margaret), Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Step Daughter-in-laws’, Step Grandchildren and Step Great Grandchildren, and many Friends.

Evelyn is predeceased by her husband, Willard Ladouceur, Grandson Darren Kerekes (Schmidt), Willard’s sons: Alvin, Wayne, Rocky, Roddy, Ronnie, Dusty, Brian, Son-in-law Dean Shipp, Brothers: Harold and Lloyd Stevenson, Parents: Phyllis and Renwick Stevenson, and former husband Johnnie Kerekes.

Life History

Evelyn (Ev) was born in Faust, Alberta on May 8th, 1933; the 3rd, eldest of 6 children. During the times of the great depression, Ev’s Mom managed the family farm while the father worked away. She would share stories of the creativity of how her Mom earned money by selling cream and eggs to buy things for the family. With her Mom always having a large garden, Ev shared that the family never went hungry.

Ev was an excellent student who loved attending Kinuso school. The kids either walked to school or in the wintertime took the horse and buggy. She was also very good at sports, with her toughest competition being her best friend.

Ev moved to the Warburg area with her siblings shortly after her Mom passed away, which occurred a few days before her 16th birthday. At the age of 19, she married the father of her 3 children. Throughout the next number of years, work commitments meant the family would move several times. In 1960 the family returned to the Warburg area and began farming on the family farm. It was during these years Ev raised her children, partook in daily farming activities, managed the garden, maintained the home, and worked at different jobs within the community.

In the early 1970’s the family moved to Edmonton and Ev became a Dietary Clerk at the Misericordia Hospital, a job she loved and remained at for a number of years. During this time, the relationship with her husband ended. In 1979 Ev remarried and remained married to Willard until he passed away in 2010. They enjoyed a number of different homes over the years. In 1993 their final move together was to their home at Buffalo Lake where they fixed it up, planted trees, flowers, the garden, and had horses. They loved the country and made a lot of friends in the community. Over the years they had two little dogs they loved and doted over, first was Buttons and second was SuzieQ.

After SuzieQ passed away in 2014, Ev moved to Beaumont and lived there until moving to Leduc in 2022. Ev passed away in hospice at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Edmonton.

Over the years Ev came to love Hawaii and travelled there a number of times to see and stay with her youngest daughter. She loved the trade winds, feeding the ducks, sitting on the beach, and watching the sunsets.

Gifts

Ev had a phenomenal memory including remembering events down to minute details back as early as being 3 years old. It was well known within the circle of family and friends that if a person wanted to know when someone was born or got married etc. all they had to do was ask Ev. Right up to her passing she shared time with her great grandson and recalled dates in 1951 with him.

Ev had a deep personal and private relationship with God and prayed for many family members and friends over the years. It is this deep connection and faith that supported her in not having any fear regarding her passing and knowing that she would be with those she loved dearly, particularly her husband, grandson, and brother.

Ev was very quick witted and had a great sense of humor and this remained with her even in her final days. She shared her wit and laughs with many friends, including those dear to her in Hawaii.

Activities

Ev enjoyed many activities during her life including being part of the United Church Women’s Group, knitting, crocheting, sewing, bowling, playing cards with her favorite games being crib, stupid, whist, and canasta. She also enjoyed the casino and playing the penny slots in Las Vegas, walking, nature, filling the bird feeders and watching the hummingbirds, camping, attending seniors’ dinners, gardening, and keeping up on Facebook.

Ev was an excellent cook and particularly loved cooking when the vegetables were fresh from her garden. Eating her warm baked bread, buns, or cinnamon buns directly from the oven was always a treat. She was also an avid reader, reading many books over the years relating to many different topics and stories.

Family

Immediate and extended family meant the world to Ev. She loved it when they came home whether it was a visit or to celebrate birthdays or holidays, she always enjoyed their time together and would serve a delicious meal.

Friends

One of the greatest gifts Ev has given this world during her time here has been one of connecting with people and creating friendships. An example of that is Ev met her best friend when they were 4 years old, and they remained friends throughout her whole life.

Wherever Ev lived during the many moves that occurred in her life, she established friendships and maintained those relationships throughout her life.

Events

Ev had chosen cremation and requested no service be held except for a gathering of the placement of her ashes. There will be two gatherings held.

Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 @ 1:30 p.m.

Buffalo Lake Community Cemetery   

Saturday, September 9th @ 12:30 p.m.

Swan Valley Cemetery, Kinuso

Donations

While Ev was in the Leduc Hospital, with her sense of humor, she commented on the shape of the furniture e.g., the big reclining chair used for palliative patients had a big hole in it and the bedside tray table would not move easily because the wheels weren’t working properly. She suggested that when people passed on, they should request donations be made to buy new items for the hospital.

In honoring her suggestion and in memory of Ev, if you would like to donate to the Leduc Hospital Unit 31, the following is a direct link for donations. You are more than welcome to be very specific about what you would like your donation to be used for …. Lol