Evelyn Mae Thorvaldsen

Evelyn was born in Grandview, Manitoba, one of seven children born to Amos and Elizabeth Agar. She was raised on the family farm in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. She spoke fondly of her family and her upbringing on the farm. She shared her stories of love and hardship on the farm during those years of the Depression and World War II. Her eyes lit up every time she told us about her family and always made us laugh with her description of family events. Sometimes she would laugh so hard that the ending of the story was a long time coming.  She always looked for the good in people and never uttered an unkind word.

When Evelyn graduated from school, she moved to Winnipeg to attend secretarial school. Upon graduated, she moved to Calgary with her sister Joy to pursue her next adventure. Evelyn was employed by Frank Freeze Insurance Company for many years and developed many friendships with co-workers. She always had four ruffian children waiting for her at the bus stop when she came home.

In Calgary she met and fell in love with her husband, Floyd Thorvaldsen. They were blessed with four children. Their home was always filled with rambunctious children, family friends and a myriad of four legged creatures. She relished her Sunday afternoon naps.

Evelyn loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren with all her heart. She was always there to lend an ear, offer support and help in every way she was able. Evelyn’s grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She loved them with every fibre of her being and never tired of their company. She was always there when they needed support and they adored her. She played games, built forts, dressed up in costumes and baked up a storm for them. In turn she got the love and laughter they felt for her. One of Evelyn’s greatest pleasures was Sunday suppers with her family.

Evelyn was the glue that held our family together. Her strength was awe inspiring. In her later life she faced many challenges but managed to bravely move forward, an inspiration to us all. She will be dearly missed.

Evelyn is survived by her children Debra, Jo-Ann (Neil), Mark, and Scott; grandchildren Aaron (Jana), Meghan, Chelsea (Jeff), Taylor (Scott), Brett, and Paige (Leigh-Ann); great grandchildren Autumn, Brynlee, and Brielle; sisters Joy, Eileen, and Lorraine. She was predeceased by her husband Floyd and grandson Sean.

A gathering to celebrate Evelyn’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00pm at 91 Schubert Hill NW, Calgary, Alberta. Please bring a smile, laugh a lot, and share your fondest memories.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please send a donation in Evelyn’s name to your favourite charity.

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