It is with tremendous sadness that our “Mugga”, Evelyn Gardner, has passed away on November 15, 2022, at the age of 87 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary after a brief illness with COVID. She was a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to us all.  She was a wonderful conversationalist and a warm loving presence in any room which she lit up with her infectious laugh. Tiny in stature, but with a mighty large heart, she lived with elegance and class through many life challenges.

A native Calgarian, Evelyn attended Rideau Park Junior High and went on to attend Western High School. Athletic and driven, Evelyn refused to let her size become a detriment and centered the Western Canada High School basketball team while also starring at Track and Field despite being only 4 ft 11 inches tall. It was during this time that Evelyn took up dance and acrobatics, performing with some of Calgary’s most impressive dance teams. In addition, she excelled at tap and baton, becoming a lead majorette for the Calgary Stampede Parade in the mid-1940’s. She thrilled audiences with her ability to twirl a fire baton and was asked to accompany the 1948 Grey Cup contingent to Toronto in support of the Calgary Stampeders, but respected her parent's wishes and declined.

In Western High School she met and fell in love with Ken Gardner and the two were married in September of 1957. Raising two children, Evelyn settled into life as a homemaker, but kept her hand in dance, teaching at several tap and acrobatic schools. She was also very active in the community of North Haven playing women’s hockey and baseball. Ken and Evelyn enjoyed the company of a large group of neighbours and could often be found attending weekend get-togethers.    

After the death of her husband in 1974, Evelyn went back to school and started a career as the receptionist for BDO Dunwoody in Calgary. Evelyn travelled to several places in Europe while cheering on Canadian curlers at numerous Briars and Curling World Championships. In retirement, Evelyn settled in Dreamview Village where she met many of her best lifelong friends whom she treasured. Continuing her dance experience, Evelyn led the residents in daily stretching exercises well into her 80’s despite being inflicted with serious arthritis. A lifelong sports fan, Evelyn rarely missed watching her beloved Blue Jays, Calgary Flames, and Stampeders, and kept current on her favorite curlers. She was also a constant fixture for all her grandchildren’s hockey games and dance recitals. She loved her condo and lived independently for over 26 years until her ultimate passing.  

Evelyn will be greatly missed by her son, Kevin Gardner (Karen); daughter Louise Gardner; and her grandchildren Toni (who bestowed her with the beautiful nickname “Mugga” which she lovingly embraced), Kenny, Mikki, and Danny. Mugga was so incredibly proud of each of them. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Heibert (Gerry); and brother Bob Cole (Nancy) and numerous nephews and nieces. Evelyn was pre-deceased by her husband Ken; her father Stanley Cole; and her mother Jessie Pasher. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Arthritis Society of Canada. In following Evelyn’s wishes, a Funeral is declined but a Celebration of Life will follow in the New Year. The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses of the Rockyview hospital who took amazing care of her.