Evalyn Watson Gautreau passed away in her home on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 leaving with many happy memories her husband Emile. She died of dementia and from beginning to end I remained her caregiver. I want to express my gratitude to the VON, Cumberland Health Authority Palliative Care Program and Occupational Therapy for assisting and guiding me through difficult times.
Evalyn and I were married 53 years. She was always my best friend, my mentor. An excellent wife, our years together were wonderful, exciting and adventuresome. Evalyn was a lady in every respect and mixed well with all types of society. She was a very beautiful woman, on the inside as well as out. Without any exaggeration she changed her dress three times daily and only wore slacks for outdoor adventures. When it was time for bed she dressed in her finest negligee.
Evalyn was her own person and a good friend to all who knew her-for she kept secrets to her self. An intelligent woman, she wrote and published three books and numerous articles in magazines. While living in Drumheller,Alberta she wrote articles for the local newspaper titled "A Tribute to One of Our Senior Citizens". This made many seniors proud when they read their story in the Drumheller Mail. As a result of the stories told, the people of the community learned their local history.
In 1961 Evalyn completed a Nurses Aid Program and worked in this profession for two years taking care of cancer patients. After which she volunteered her services to the Canadian Red Cross, The Gray Nuns Hospital in the Northwest Territories, etc. She was a member of the Catholics Women's league and served as president for five years. She also volunteered with the IODE used clothing store in Amherst for several years. Many children on Rupert Street often came to our house to visit and talk with her. They loved to play with her doll collection.
While in the Northwest Territories the Dogrib people whom she met, highly respected her. She treated them with respect and dignity; in turn they willingly shared their stories with her. Her book of short stories "Tale Spinners in a Spruce Tipi" was dedicated to them. She stated in the books preface "To the Dogrib Indians for adding a new and wonderful dimension to my life." I need to mention here that in 1966 Evalyn befriended two Dogrib boys aged sixteen years- Maurice Zoe and Archie Beaulieu. Last year , in October 2009, Maurice phoned from Yellowknife to show his respect for her while she still remembered him. He flew here from Yellowknife and spent a week with us. This made Evalyn very happy. The other boy, Archie Beaulieu, a renowned artist, came to visit several years ago. They have always kept in touch with her.
Evalyn being a very personal person never spoke about herself or her achievements.
Few people really knew her for she always kept an air of mystery about herself.
Evalyn was predeceased by her parents Fred and Violet Ernst Watson and her sister Dorthy Cox. Evalyn will be buried in the Watson plot on Terrace Hill in Truro,Nova Scotia as I will when my flame of life goes out . Thank You -Merci Cho! Evalyn -without you my achievements would never have occurred. I Love You.
Friends are invited to gather at the family home at 48 Rupert St., Amherst to celebrate Evalyn's life on Thursday, June 3, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., please dress casually.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Campbell's Funeral Home, Amherst.
Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the L.A. Animal Shelter.
On-line guest book may be signed via: www.campbells-amherst.ca