Evelyn May
MacLean - 97, Truro, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015,
at Vimy Court (Shannex). Born July 9, 1918, in Truro, she
was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was
predeceased by her parents, Sydney and Bessie (Ryan) Mattinson;
sister, Irma (Mattinson) Thompson; brothers, Lloyd (Anne) Mattinson,
Clarence (Eva) Mattinson.
Evelyn lived through the turbulent first
half of the 20th century as did the rest of her
generation. She experienced the thirties with her family,
attending school, ushering at the theatre, traveling around the
province with Lloyd on his motorcycle and chording the piano with his
band at dances. She married Lloyd Mann at the onset of the Second
World War and became the mother of Bonnie Mann soon after he was sent
overseas; she lost him on Christmas Eve, 1942. After the war, she
married Stanley MacLean who remained her husband for the next 51
years; she and Stan raised three children – Bonnie Mann,
David and Burton MacLean. Over time, with the illness of her mother
progressing, she welcomed Irma’s orphaned son, Jack
Thompson, into the family and he became a close and loved member of
her family.
She worked as
the seamstress for Goodman’s Clothing Store prior to
becoming the owner and proprietor of Martha Murray’s Fine
Fabrics. It was here that she found her calling and successfully
operated the business for 35 years. During this time she developed a
passion for traveling. This was initiated by Jack who invited her to
visit him in Cyprus where he was serving as the Dental Officer for the
Canadian Forces. Evelyn went and never looked back. Over the
next several decades, she circumnavigated the globe with nearly 70
trips visiting varied and exotic locations. She experienced many
adventures but in 1998 she lost Stan and ceased her travels soon
after. She moved into Vimy Court (Shannex) in 2008 and in 2009, she
lost Jack.
Evelyn is
survived by her daughter, Bonnie (Cal) Cullingworth; sons, David,
Burton (Vicki) MacLean; daughter-in-law, Lois (Jack, deceased)
Thompson; grandchildren, Christy (Garth) Hoeppner, Denice
(Cory) Hammond, Nicki (Fred) Molyneaux, Allan (Pam)
Cullingworth, Heather (Herman Hall) MacLean, Calem (Joanna) MacLean,
Anna MacLean, Matt (Susie) Thompson, Dan (Kendra) Thompson, Tim (Lise)
Thompson; ten great grandchildren; one great great-grandchild. Evelyn
was a true Matriarch of the family. Her remarkable resilience, quick
wit and independence were signature characteristics of her throughout
her life; all great traits for others to emulate. She will be
remembered by all with both love and pride in her and her
accomplishments.
The family
would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the
wonderful care paid to our mother by Dr. Trevor Locke and the staff of
Vimy Court (Shannex); the concern and attentiveness to her needs was a
major factor in her comfort and contentment during this stage of her
life. This, in itself, allowed the family to rest more
easily in regards to her wellbeing.
Arrangements
have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55
Young Street, Truro, where a celebration of her life will be held
10:30 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2015, Reverend Dr. David Sutherland
officiating. Reception will follow. Private family interment in Robie
Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s
memory to Colchester Food Bank or charity of choice are welcomed.
Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Evelyn’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A
Condolence" at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com