September 3, 1937 - June 14, 2023
Beloved mother to Robert Callahan (Sue) of North Vancouver and Beth Callahan (Peter) of Madeira Park, grandmother to Kristina and Kerryanne. Survived by her siblings George, Tom, Eric, Bob and Betty plus many nieces and nephews across the country. Predeceased by the love of her life—husband Hayden in 1984, sister Eleanor and brother Harry. Evelyn was born in Toronto, as the second child to George and Doris Bartlett. She married Hayden in 1956 and as a military wife followed him across Canada and to Germany twice. In 1979 they retired to Abbotsford.
Evelyn was a Welcome Wagon hostess for 12 years, bringing information and gifts to new residents and moms with new babies in the Abbotsford area—a job she excelled at as she could talk to anyone. Two organizations brought her the most joy however, the Catholic Women's League and the Auxiliary to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. The CWL had conferences across the country which Evelyn loved to attend while her workroom ladies at the hospital gave her a weekly outlet for fun conversation while they knitted. She loved her shifts in the hospital gift shop and made great friends there. Friends old and new came in and out of Evelyn's life and she always tried to maintain contact.
In 2021 Evelyn lost her mobility and moved into an apartment that never felt like home but gave her some independence. She continued as best she could in an electric wheelchair—hospital workroom, coffee with the
ladies at the mall and occasional other excursions. Failing health and weakness played a large part of her decline and after a brief stay in the ACE unit at Abbotsford Regional Hospital she left us to join those who had gone before, early in the morning of June 14.
Evelyn will be remembered for her tongue-in-cheek wit, a beautiful smile and the friendships she cultivated. She will be missed.
There will be a graveside service at Hazelwood Cemetery Abbotsford on June 22 at 1030 with a memorial to be planned for September. Friends and family welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Auxiliary to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital will be graciously accepted, 32900 Marshall Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2.
Leave condolences at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/abbotsford-bc/evelyn-callahan-11333343