Joan Audrey Evans

Add new comment

It is with deepest sympathies we announce the passing of Joan Audrey Evans passed away on February 23 at the age of 95.

Daughter of John and Emily Mary Hodgkinson. Loving sister to Dorothy, Nora, Madge, and Mary, all of whom predeceased her. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert (Bob) Evans and loving mother of John (Cathy), Karen, Nancy and Gary (Doug).

Dear grandmother/great-grandmother of Sarah, Chris, Mike, Jason (sons Jack and Emmett), Audrey (son Robbie), Peter, MaryAnne, Hillary and Andrew.

Joan will be missed by her many English and Canadian relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Bob, daughter Karen, and grandchildren Peter and Chris.

Joan lived a big life. As a young girl growing up in England during the war, she was surrounded by loving family and friends, many of whom she kept up with throughout her life.

As a wife, she was adored by Bob for over sixty years. In turn, she provided him with love and support as a military wife travelling to many postings across Canada and in Germany. A Cold War bride not a War bride as she liked to say!

As a mother, she practiced unconditional love and was there for all her children in their times of need. She also passed on her love of life and making the most of whatever life offers.

As a grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and had many special moments shared with each.

As a friend, she had many. She made them wherever she went and kept up with them long after.

As a member of the community, she did her part to make it a better place, whether it was volunteering for mental health organizations or attending monthly luncheons at the Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club. She often said she was a $5 Canadian (the price of admission back in the 1950s), and despite her longings for English spring and daffodils in February, she loved her new Country and all that it offered.

She will be missed by many, but her legacy will live on in all.

A Visitation Reception with the family will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON), on Saturday, February 28 from 2-4 pm.

For those who wish to do so, please consider making a donation to The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the New Edinburgh Square for supporting her during the last ten years of independent living and for the excellent/compassionate care at the Montfort Hospital, Perley Health and Ottawa General Hospital for the past five weeks.

Digital Guestbook

AUDREY EVANS

I was named after my grandma. She lived a joyful life with grandpa Bob. I always strive to have a life like hers. I even married a Bob just like her. I loved her dearly and enjoyed visiting with my late husband. She will be dearly missed. Amen.

Alison Brooks

Where to begin with a long life so well lived for such a special lady? Aunty Joan was truly the Great/Great Great aunt to the Brooks family in England. It was always hard getting our head around my mum’s aunt being a similar age. Growing up and seeing my grandma (dodo) Aunty Nora and Aunty Joan laughing and giggling was a joy. Aunty Joan made sure the link with England held firm and passed down the importance of family to us. Memories of Aunty Joan and Uncle Bob staying with me in London and taking me to see Cirque de soleil - both so proud of Canada. Huge generosity and hospitality whenever we visited, listening to jazz, walking on the frozen canal, firework displays and laughing at thoroughly modern Millie and squeaky trolleys! Family was the heart of Great Aunty Joan’s life- she always put family 1st and was a generation who stayed strong in adversity, didn’t complain and appreciated the joy of life. So lucky that many of her English family were able to visit Canada and that Sally's children had 2 very memorable visits with her. Great Aunty Joan will be missed so much- always a joy to be around and left you feeling happy and grateful for the love of family. We will think of you especially at this time of year when the daffodils and snowdrops are out. An absolute privilege to be part of your Canadian family. Sending deepest sympathies and hope the memories will help you through the sad times ahead.

Helen, Roger, and Rebecca Reading

Aunty Joan was a truly special person. So kind and thoughtful. I will particularly treasure the memories of when Grandma Dodo and I visited with her and Uncle Bob for 5 weeks. The warmth with which we were welcomed and included in their daily lives has stayed with me all this time.
As we remember a long life well lived we are sending you all our love and sympathies.

Alex Long and Neel Bhatt

Our deepest sympathies to Gary, Doug and the Evans family. As long as we’ve known Gary and Doug, Joan has been such a large, loving and positive presence. Neel remembers a lovely lunch a few years back with Joan, Doug and Gary at the terrace restaurant on Laurier. Joan’s reminisces from travels and early years in the UK were emblematic of a happy and well-lived life. On this sad occasion, we remember the love and joy that Joan brought to so many lives.

Adam B

Dear Gary and Doug,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Joan. Gary, I know how close you were to your mom, and I'm thinking of you both during this difficult time. Joan was such a wonderful woman, and I will always remember her warm smile, her kindness. She will be dearly missed.

Sending my condolences on the passing of Joan Evans to you and your family, and sending you all my love.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Adam B

Christopher G

I was so sorry to learn of Joan's passing.

She was such a lovely, warm woman.

Our deepest sympathies,

Donna Evans

My deepest sympathies to the family.
Aunt Joan was truly kind and welcoming, always opening her home in Ottawa with warmth and generosity. When I was starting my undergraduate degree in architecture, she invited me for dinner and made me feel genuinely welcome during a demanding time. i will always be grateful for her quiet kindness and the comfort she gave so naturally.