It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Evelyn Winnifred Jeck (nee Osland) in Clearwater, B.C., at the age of 84.
Ev was born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan to Art and Daisy Osland.
In 1938 she moved with her parents and brother to the Okanagan where she grew up on an orchard south of Oliver, B.C. She was the eldest of eight siblings in a busy household - Ev was fond of reading under the willow tree when chores allowed.
After high school she ventured off to university and completed Normal School (teachers' college). Her first teaching post was in 1956 at McBride, B.C. and it was here she met Lloyd at the bridge table. They were married in 1958 and together they raised four children in a loving home. During this time, she taught elementary grades in McBride and Dunster, sometimes a single grade, and in Dunster, grades one to four in a single room.
Ev and Lloyd moved to different communities in their later years, enjoying each and making good friends along the way. While in Williams Lake, Ev worked as a caregiver in a group home for mentally handicapped adults, and then took two young adults into her home and provided them a fulfilling semi-independent (bachelor-pad!) living arrangement.
Ev loved to sew and knit, bake and cook, read, square dance, and outscore many game show contestants from the comfort of home. She, along with Lloyd, were enthusiastic Canucks supporters. Ev was most keen on bridge, both social and duplicate, going on to compete in B.C. seniors' games and ACBL duplicate bridge conferences and ultimately earning her Bronze Life Master's level.
She loved to have company, making people most welcome with meals, chats, and often something to take for the road. Family visits brought her a special joy, and we all enjoyed her spark, jokes and jibes, love, laughter and hugs. Ev never lost her ability to smile, laugh and sing through her struggle with Alzheimer's.
Left to cherish the special memories created together are Ev's husband Lloyd, children Valerie (Wayne) Morhart and Sheila Jeck (Dave Moon), grandchildren Desiree (Mike), Cory (Melissa), Melissa (Dustin), Calvin (Caitlyn) and Lora (Kyle), and great grandchildren Sophiea, Claire, Paige, Eric, Ellie, Parker and Rayleigh.
She is also survived by siblings Bob, Russel (Maxine), Marg, Stan (Alicia), Anne (Alex), and Larry (Elaine) and sisters-in-law Trisha, Florence and Alaire as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Ev was predeceased by her beloved sons Neil and Wayne, her parents, her brother Norm and brother Douglas who died in infancy. Also loved in-laws, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Soles and the wonderful caregivers and staff at Forest View Place in Clearwater for their kind and attentive care to Evelyn, Mom, Grandma and GG.
Details for a 2021 service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Drake Cremation and Funeral Services, where condolences may be left at www.drakecremation.com
250-674-3030.
Drake Cremation and Funeral Services