Evelyn lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years and in 2003 she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. On November 4, 2009, she passed away at the Maritime Odd Fellows Home, Pictou, N.S., with her family at her side. Previously she had resided in New Glasgow, N.S.
She was born in Bay Fortune, P.E.I., October 21, 1928, daughter of the late John Reid and Clara (Norton) Underhay.
She is survived by her husband, John Robert, to whom she was married for 53 years; daughters, Catherine (Peter) Vissers, Milford; Anne (Rene) Matteau, Pickering, Ontario; Jane (Barry) Strachan, Timberlea; and son, Bill (Lynn) Kaulbach, Hilden; grandchildren, Sheldon, Emily and Michaela Vissers, Robert and Richard Matteau, Cara and Adam Kaulbach; brothers, Leslie (Polly) Underhay, Bay Fortune, P.E.I.; Rev. William R. (Elizabeth) Underhay, Charlottetown, P.E.I.; and sister, Betty Underhay, Calgary, Alberta; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Doris (Athol) MacBeath, Marshfield, P.E.I.
After graduating from Prince of Wales College, Charlottetown, she taught at various schools in P.E.I. In the summers of 1950 and 1951 she served as a Caravaner in the Maritime Provinces for the United Church of Canada. Evelyn’s pride and joy was her family and her home, where friends were always welcome. She spent many years volunteering in her community, including treasurer of Meals on Wheels, New Glasgow Gyrettes, Music Festival, Gyro Swimming Trust and Unit IONA of her church. She enjoyed playing bridge and other card games, traveling, entertaining, the “Stitch” meetings, knitting, writing poetry and baking, especially her brown bread.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, from 2–4 and 7–9 p.m. at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 1 p.m. at Trinity United Church, New Glasgow, N.S. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only please.
Donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to the Parkinson Society, Maritime Region, 830-5991 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, N.S., B3H 1Y6, or a charity of your choice.
The family’s gratitude is extended to the staff of the Maritime Odd Fellows Home for all their love, care and compassion to Evelyn during the years while she was a resident at the home.
Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca

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