Evelyn May MacLean
1918 - 2015
Evelyn May MacLean
Service Information
Service Date
Friday September 11, 2015
Service Time
10:30 AM
Service Location
Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro
Burial Information
Burial Date
September 11, 2015
Burial Time
Private
Burial Location
Robie Street Cemetery, 125 Robie Street, Truro
Requested Charity
Colchester Food Bank or Charity of Choice
Print Obituary print this page

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

Evelyn May MacLean