Joan Audrey Evans

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.