With sadness the Pownall family announces that Elsie Evelyn Pownall passed away at the age of 90 in Moog Hospice House in Penticton April 14, 2013 with her granddaughter Jacinda and great grandchildren Katie and Zachary by her side. Evelyn was born in Luseland, Saskatchewan, August 17, 1922 to George and Lilly Campbell. The family moved to Kettle Valley, October 17, 1936 after a five day rail trip riding in a box car. Spending their last dollar on fare for one person and the animals. The rest of the family stowed away, creating much excitement. One half of the car was for living and one half was for the horses, cows, chickens, dogs, etc. With enough food donated by the folks in Luseland, they arrived in the garden of Eden with all the free wood to burn! No more turning cow pies in the sun for winter warmth!
Evelyn married Wesley Pownall in 1943 when he was on a short leave from the army and had three children, Faye, Dale and Lanny. She lived all her years in the best place on earth, the Kettle Valley. She loved to garden and put-up her veggies, jams and pies. Many received beautiful bouquets of flowers that Evelyn grew, her favourite being sunflowers. She belonged to the Ladies Fireside Circle for many years, helped with the Echo local newspaper, Food Sharing, Boundary Historical Society, a fighter against uranium mining and never missed the Fall Fair or any activity that she could get to. She spent many years going on adventures with the Senior Bus, and liked to travel by car to new destinations. If one should drop in tea was always served with a homemade cookie or slice of lemon cake. Evelyn had a quick mind and a great sense of humour, she loved a good laugh. As Evelyn would tell us,’ I have my own teeth, have all my marbles, a full head of hair, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to love. I lived in my own home till almost the end. We pioneers are tough, we’ve lived through a lot.’
Eveylyn was predeceased by her parents, George and Lilly Campbell, her sister Jean and brother Gordon, husband Wesley and partner Norm Hayes.
She leaves to mourn her daughter Faye (Ernie) Willford, sons Dale (Pat) and Lanny (Debbie). Six grandchildren, Lesley, Jennifer, Aaron, Ryan, Jacinda and Leif and five great-grandchildren, Riley, McKinley, McKenzie, Kayden, Brittany, Katie and Zachary, her Uncle Glen Ashcroft , Aunt Francis Caldwell and nieces and nephews.
Thank you to all who phoned, visited or sent cards to Evelyn during her time in Hospice. She was truly blessed to have such wonderful, caring friends!
Evelyn is in the care of Graham Funeral Home Oliver www.grahamfh.com where you may leave messages about Evelyn under her picture. Memorial sevice for Evelyn will be held May 18 at 11:am at St. Mary’s Church Kettle Valley.