Nov 17, 1935 - Jan 1, 2018
Evelyn passed away at home after a valiant fight against cancer with her daughter Kathy by her side. She is predeceased by her loving husband Rae, her son Al, and her beloved sister and brothers Elsie, Arnfinn, Henry and Bert.
Evelyn is survived by her children Nancy (Jerry), Katherine (Marcus) and Rodger (Jodi); her grandchildren Sara, Brian, Adam, Samantha, Stephanie, Alessandra, Sebastian and Benjamin; her great-grandchildren Mayson, Declyn and Lennox; her brother Erling, her twin sister Eleanor and baby sister Pearl; many much loved nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins who she treasured; and many other wonderful friends and family in both Canada and Norway.
Mom was born in Prince Rupert to Herman and Ragna Johansen recent immigrants from Norway but moved to New Westminster when she was young. Mom grew up in a warm and loving family and was proud to be the first of her family to graduate from high school. In 1955 Mom married Rae, the love of her life - and a twin himself. She earned her accounting degree while working for the Surrey School District and became their Payroll Manager while at the same raising her growing family with Dad.
Theirs was a busy family life focused on their children and spending many happy times camping around BC, especially with family in Prince Rupert and on Vancouver Island. In later life Mom relished her RV travels with Dad and sister Elsie venturing far and wide across North America. They also enjoyed traveling to Norway, Hong Kong, Austria, England, China, Thailand and Malaysia.
Mom treasured close knit relationships she built with people making everyone she met feel important. Many family and friends recount the"special relationship " they had with Mom. Her door was always open for a friendly chat and a hot cup of coffee - and often Norwegian waffles! She was kind, gentle and a good listener for all in need with a warm hug and encouraging word. She loved being Auntie Bobo, Nanny and Great-Grandma to her many nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some years after Dad's passing Mom moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to her family, especially her beloved sisters Elsie and Pearl.
At age 80 she rented a home while waiting for her "forever home" to be built - she was proud of helping design it and of its spectacular view. Fortunately Mom spent the final weeks of her life in this home and she so enjoyed visits and calls from family and friends. Despite the challenges Mom remained positive and cheerful cherishing her precious time. She lived a happy life full of much love, laughter and adventure. She is lovingly remembered by all her extended family and many friends.
Special thanks to Mom's doctors and nurses, especially her oncologist Dr. Au at Adventist Hospital. Heartfelt thanks also to the special home care team that provided Mom with loving care.
Please join her Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, March 10 at 1:30 pm at Mount Olive Lutheran Church 2350-148th Street, Surrey, BC V4A 4M7.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association and/or the B.C. Cancer Society.