Mary Evelyn Clark

Passed away at the Tiger Hills Personal Care Home on Monday August 31, 2020 at the age of 92 years, Mary Evelyn Clark (nee Rusk), of Treherne MB. Evelyn leaves to mourn her passing her four children Marion (Allan) McKay of Winnipeg MB, Shirley (Derryl) Lovie of Holland MB, Patti Clark of Dartmouth NS, Ian Clark of Winnipeg, MB; nine grandchildren Andrew (Debra) McKay, Darla (Trevor) Hilhorst, Mandy Lovie, Brent (Tiara) Lovie, Jason (Leslie) Evans, Megan Evans, Kyle Sveinson, Drew Evans, & Alexander Clark; ten great grandchildren Deckard McKay, Tyson, Kenzie & Lexie Hilhorst, Brayden & Kaydence Poirier, Hannah & Addison Lovie, and Isabella & Chloe Evans. She is also survived by her sisters Doris (Mick) Bronstein of Winnipeg & Pearl Williams of Comox BC; brother-in-law Moe Goodman of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Vera Glawson of Brandon MB. Also mourning her loss are surviving members of her Rusk and Clark families, & many dear friends. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Gordon (2010), daughter Lorna Clark, granddaughter Rebecca McKay, son-in-law Garth Sveinson; parents Elgin & Annie Rusk; brothers Norman (Doris), Donald (Barbara), Bill (Solange & Fran) & John; sisters Margaret Goodman, Rhoda Williams and Pat (Ross) Leatherdale; and brothers-in-law Leo Deroche and Bob Williams. Evelyn was born on October 19, 1927 at the farm in the Oak Hill District near Holland, MB; the fourth child and oldest daughter of 10 children born to Elgin and Annie Rusk. The challenges faced by farm families in the Great Depression formed the backdrop of her childhood and instilled in her a deep love of family; a firm belief in the value of education and hard work; a commitment to friends and community; and the capacity to be thankful for the many blessings of life. She attended school at Centreville and Treherne. After Grade 11, Evelyn completed a six-week certificate teacher training program. She taught at Cherry Valley School (a one room, eight grade rural school near Rathwell, MB), and then returned to her own studies to graduate from high school in 1947. She then worked at the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Treherne until 1949. On September 24, 1949, Evelyn married Gordon Charles Clark. They farmed in the Louise District north of Treherne, MB for five years, and then moved to town. They spent many years in their beautiful home on the banks of the Little Boyne River, where Evelyn tended her gardens and enjoyed the antics of the deer, wild turkeys and beaver that resided in her back yard. Shortly after Gordon’s death in 2010, Evelyn moved to the Tiger Hills Villa. She spent the last two years of her life at the Tiger Hills Personal Care Home. Evelyn’s life was filled with work and volunteer activities. From 1958-83, she was employed at the Treherne Hospital as the accountant and medical records librarian. She was a faithful member of Treherne United Church, serving as a CGIT leader, UCW member and Elder. She was a member of the Kinettes Club and a committed supporter of any community program in which her children participated, particularly the figure skating and hockey clubs. After her retirement, she served on the board of the Treherne Hospital for seven years, including four years as board chair. Evelyn was accomplished at needlework. In the early years of her marriage, she focused on fashioning clothing for herself and her children. As the need for this work diminished, she embraced more decorative forms of the craft, including knitting, cross-stitching, and quilting. Another passionate interest was genealogy. Her interest in tracing her family’s history led her on many adventures in Canada and Britain with her sister Doris. Most of all, Evelyn loved her family. She loved family reunions and any other gatherings that allowed her to stay connected with the many members of the Rusk and Clark families. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was grateful for the joy they brought to her life. A Private Family Service will be held on Monday September 7, 2020 at Beaconsfield Cemetery with Sandra Rex & Heather Grobb officiating. The service will be available to view online at www.willmorchapel.com later in the day. Friends may sign the memorial register book by emailing jamiesonsfuneralser@mymts.net or call 204-827-2480 and we will insert your name. Condolences may also be submitted by visiting the website at www.willmorchapel.com. Memorial donations can be made in Evelyn's memory to the Treherne United Church Memorial Fund, Box 424, Treherne MB or to the Tiger Hills Personal Care Home, Box 130, Treherne MB R0G 2V0. Jamieson's Funeral Services of Holland in care of arrangements. 204-526-2380.