Louise Evelyn Lavallee, (Evelyn) 71, of Dauphin, MB, passed away at Dauphin Regional Hospital, on July 22nd after a contentious battle with lung disease.

Evelyn was born on July 15, 1951, to Charles and Gabrielle Dutiaume in Winnipeg, MB. Evelyn was one of 6 siblings, (Jeannette, Gerald, Doug, Dolly and Terry) and shared her most fond memories growing up of when she would spend her summers in St. Claude, MB with her grandparents where she learned to speak French and garden with her loving Grandmother.

She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends who were always entertained by her stories, antics, and rare sense of humor.

In her youth she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Lavallee and later married and went on to having 3 children, Terrance, Louise, and Billie-Joe (Minnie, BJ).

Evelyn and Bill loved long drives in the country, time alone watching their “stories” on the tv, holding hands and took pride in their close-knit family. She loved puzzles, playing hidden object adventure video games and enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee. Evelyn loved to listen to her music and dance when she could, even sometimes breaking out into a jig when the spirit took her.

She enjoyed near and far adventures including her first road trip across the country, to visit her oldest daughter, Louise, and family in Washington state, in which was titled, “Bill and Ev’s Excellent Adventure.”

In 2006, Evelyn retired from a long career in the food and services industry where she went onto owning her own restaurant, Evie’s Deli Plus, for a period of time. She then devoted herself to the love and care of her husband Bill in his latter years. Bill passed away in 2007. Evelyn moved onto living independently until joining her son, Terry where they lived together in La Broquerie, MB until his passing in 2017. Evelyn then relocated to Dauphin to be closer to her youngest daughter, Billie-Joe (Minnie, BJ) and her family.

Once settled in Dauphin, Evelyn joined the First Baptist Church community which gave her great comfort and support as well as friendships.  She also committed to her faith by getting baptized at the age of 67. 

She also received her long-sought citizenship with the Manitoba Metis Federation while in Dauphin.  She took great pride in this as an elder and was greatly blessed by them. 

Evelyn is survived by her daughters Louise Derksen of Carnation, WA, USA, and Billie-Joe (Minnie, BJ) Wowchuk of Dauphin, MB, sons in law Todd Derksen of Carnation, WA, USA, and Dean Wowchuk of Dauphin, MB, 6 grandchildren, Cole Lavallee of Steinbach, MB, Kristin Glavin of Winnipeg, MB, Grace and Faith Wowchuk of Dauphin, MB, Madelyn and Titus Derksen of Carnation, WA, USA and her loving dog companion, Diego of Dauphin, MB.

She was predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) in 2007, her son, Terrance in 2017, her granddaughter, Kaira Lavallee in 2021, her brothers, Gerald, 1999 and Doug in 2018, and her sister, Jeannette in 2019.

Evelyn had a tenacious spirit and loved to laugh even through challenging times. She could sometimes have a firm mindset but had a soft heart that just wanted to be loved. She was adored by many, and we will miss her laugh, her mischievous spirit, and her strength.

A celebration of life will be held August 15th, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Dauphin First Baptist Church, 37-5th Ave NE followed by a time of snacks, visiting, stories, and joyful tears.  Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery at the end of Riverside Road.

The celebration of life will be live streamed, and can be viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Lung Association. 

We wish to thank the healthcare staff at the Dauphin Regional Hospital for their dedicated and never wavering care.  An extra big thank you to Dr. Trina Mathison for your gentle support and friendship. Our family feels blessed that our Mother found her way into your genuine care and efforts to her health and well-being.

 

I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.