EVELYN KATHERINE ENNS

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EVELYN KATHERINE ENNS May 7, 1924 - May 3, 2014 Peacefully, and just four days shy of her 90th birthday, Evelyn Katherine Enns (nee Giesbrecht) passed at the Concordia Hospital in the early hours of May 3, 2014. Evelyn was predeceased by her loving husband Abe, sisters Esther Enns and Martha Rownd, brother Harold Giesbrecht, and mother and father Jacob and Katharina Giesbrecht. Evelyn will be sadly missed by her two sons Brian (Kerry) and Syd (Leona). GG Evelyn's spirit will live on in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chris Enns (Laura), and children Luke and Violet; Jordin Enns (Jessica), and children Charleze and Brody; Katie Taylor (Jordan), and child Haddie. GG was so looking forward to the birth of Katie's second child; just the thought of this brought a smile to her face in her tough final weeks. Also left behind are sisters-in-law Betty Giesbrecht, Pat Chester, M. J. Klassen, Sarah Enns, and Anne Berg, and brother-in-law Kevin Klinkner. Aunty Evy will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was born near Winkler, Manitoba on May 7, 1924. Growing up as the daughter of a teacher and his wife, she quickly learned the 3R's and discipline from her father, and daily lessons of frugality and work ethic from her mom. Out of living in modest homes in a variety of rural one room school houses across southern Manitoba grew a determined young woman. While living near Rosenfeld she met the love of her life, Abe Enns. One trip skating around on the town's outdoor rink was all that was required to know he was the man she would marry. Abe and Evelyn took the boys to Winnipeg in 1960 where prospects were better. For a number of years Evelyn worked at Winnipeg Photo, but decided to follow in her father's footsteps and become a teacher. After receiving her teacher's certificate she was immediately hired by the River East School Division at Salisbury School and taught Grade 3 for 19 years until she retired at age 65. During those years she would complete a Bachelor of Arts by going to night and summer school. It was said that dad should have also received a degree for "critiquing" all her essays and faithfully driving her to classes! She always said she couldn't have graduated without his help. Mom loved teaching and would recall many wonderful stories of former students and staff in the years following her retirement. The cottage at Red Rock Lake was a place for family to relax and unwind on the weekends and holidays. The cottage was big enough for the whole family to sleep under one roof, dine and play together, but also find a quiet spot to read or nap. Going to the lake became a welcome retreat from the busy life in the city. If working and playing at the cottage wasn't enough, Evelyn's flower garden in the city took most of her free time. Her garden plans included organizing her flowers so that at all times of the summer there would be at least a few flower beds in bloom, During the winter Evelyn would oil paint on canvas and do cross-stitch. Her home is full of her work, many of the paintings were of her flowers that grew in the summer. Family meant everything to mom. Meals were always front and center when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came over. Seven course meals very often left little room for plates and cutlery, but she managed and lots of hearty conversations and laughter flowed from the joy emanating from the ambience of her home. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so welcome in her home. Mom always had a few toys to play with, some candies that were hidden in a see-through container, and hugs aplenty. She clearly saw them as her legacy of hope for the future. As a teacher, the most valuable lesson mom taught her family was that of her love for her husband Abe. She was devastated when he passed away five years ago and it might be said that her heart never fully recovered. In her last days she would stare at the photo of Abe on the wall of her hospital room. We know that this photo gave her peace. Together they spent over 60 years working hard, raising a family, building a home and a cottage, and travelling around North America in their motor home ... a marriage of love and dreams fulfilled. Evelyn was baptized in the Christian faith at the Rosenfeld Bergthaler Church. This faith remained strong throughout her life. Her bible was well used and gave her strength. Mom, Go with God; we know He has a place for you. Viewing will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2014