In Loving Memory of 
Evelynne Harriet Smith
(née Armitage)
age 92

Cherished forever by her 
daughters Nadene, Marla and Julie
and their families.  
Evelynne was predeceased by 
her husband Norm and son Brent.

 

Died
May 13, 2024
Evergreen Place PCH
Boissevain, Manitoba

 

Public Graveside Service
Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Boissevain Cemetery
2:00p.m. 

 

Following the Graveside Service, the family invites you to join them for lunch

hosted by the Boissevain Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, at the Legion Hall.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of 
Evelynne Smith may be made to 
The Boissevain Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, 
Box 117 Boissevain, Manitoba, R0K 0E0 
or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

Evelynne Harriet Smith (née Armitage) was born in Boissevain, Manitoba on August 5, 1931, a
little sister for Jean Margaret Blair (née Armitage), and a cherished second child for Thomas
Silas Clarence (“Clarence”) Armitage and Dorothy Delinda Armitage (née Doran).

From an early age, Evelynne played the piano, sang in choirs, attended dances, and enjoyed
listening to radio programs and the popular music of the time. As a teenager, Evelynne worked
as an usherette at the theatre and saw the latest movies; she also played baseball, skated and
began a lifelong love of knitting.

In May 1950, Evelynne married Norman Smith, a handsome, hardworking World War II veteran.
They were married for 58 years until Norm’s passing, and together, they raised four children:
Norman Brent (“Brent”), Nadene Elaine, Marla Jean and Julie Faye.

Mom’s love of music is part of the glorious legacy she left us. As kids, we were often awakened
on weekends to the record player blaring Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass or Boots Randolph.
Thanks to Mom, Brent was usually the first in town to get the latest Beatles record (and then
we’d all hear it over and over as Brent figured out the songs on the piano). For many years, Brent
took his bands on the road, traversing the country; Nadene, Marla and Julie sang in the music
festival; Marla and Julie sang duets at bridal showers and weddings; Julie played the piano in the
festival and the organ at church. The best times were when we all gathered around the piano and
sang together. Mom was our biggest fan.

Mom had a passion for words and language, seamlessly adding crossword-puzzle words into
regular conversation. She was an avid Scrabble player and would set a timer to keep the game
moving. Mom took pleasure in reading, and when life allowed, she brought home stacks of
library books, reading and watching TV at the same time. Mom especially relished true-crime
stories and treasured a letter she received from author Ann Rule. For many years, Mom
volunteered at the Boissevain-Morton Library; the staff there became like family.

In her work outside the home, Mom’s favourite role was as housekeeping supervisor at
Boissevain Hospital. Mom was devoted to her church, St. Paul’s United, where she sang in the
choir and savoured their after-service lunches at the Home Hotel. Mom was also a proud member
of the Boissevain Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Mom loved her family fiercely and was our greatest cheerleader. She made our childhood
Christmases magical, and for as long as she was able, she never forgot a birthday.

Our family is big on surprises, and one of the best was in 2016 when we all showed up at Mom’s
door to celebrate her 85 th birthday. We also held a beautiful celebration for Mom at the golf
course with many Boissevain and out-of-town friends and family. Mom handled it all with grace
and style.

Even though we kids moved away from Boissevain, our connections to Mom never faltered. She
was the centre of our family and kept us all in touch, holding us near in body or in spirit. We
could—and did—call Mom at any time for advice, reassurance and laughter; Mom’s sense of
humour and her quick wit and sarcasm were legendary. And Mom would call us (often extremely
early in the morning) when something occurred to her that she didn’t want to forget.

Mom never feared death, but rather she celebrated it, being excited for people who had passed.
She had steadfast faith and took comfort in her higher power, to whom she also proudly gave
credit for her 55 years of sobriety.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Dorothy Armitage, her sister Jean Blair, her
husband Norm, her daughter-in-law Gail Smith, her son Brent, and her son-in-law Stuart Allen.
We are thrilled to consider the many beautiful reunions that followed Mom’s passing on May 13,
2024.

Left (Speaking of “left,” Mom would say, "God made everyone right-handed; only the truly
gifted overcame it") to cherish Mom’s memory and to celebrate the lives and blessings she gave
us, are her children Nadene (Rick), Marla (Carmen) and Julie; her daughter-in-law Jeannette; her
grandchildren Holly, Zoe (Lucas), Louie, Bailey (Justin), Jayme (Bryan), Madeline (Sean) and
Vince; and her great-grandchildren Violet, Davie, Charlie and Emylia.

We will be forever grateful to Dr. Nell, as well as to the nurses and staff at Boissevain Hospital
and the angels at Evergreen Place Personal Care Home who gave Mom the peace and comfort of
home and family. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the amazing network of Boissevain
people who checked in on Mom when she lived in her apartment, drove her to appointments,
brought her milkshakes, set her clocks, and took care of Hubert—and then Ava—when Mom
couldn’t.

A graveside service will be held at the Boissevain and Morton Cemetery on Saturday, August 10,
2024, at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Lunch, hosted by the Boissevain Legion Ladies’
Auxiliary, will follow at the Legion Hall.

 

Your faith in us has been unwavering;
Your support has made us strong.
With your love burning bright inside us,
We will never walk alone.