April 24, 1928 – December 13, 2022
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Evelyn on December 13, 2022, at the age of 94 years. She left us knowing that she was loved deeply by her entire family as well as many friends.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Edward (Ed) George Crawford. She is survived by her three daughters, Maria Crawford (Michael) of Toronto, Debbie Polakoff (Jeff) of Winnipeg and Kathy Crawford-Meisner (Ralph) of Winnipeg; grandchildren Joshua Beatty (Liseanne), Mason Polakoff, Brittany Swain (Barry) and Jamie Papaioannou (George); as well as great-grandchildren Collin Beatty, Olivia Polakoff, Liam Beatty, Logan Polakoff, Jordan Swain, George Swain, Savannah Polakoff, Eve Papaioannou, Ameryn Beatty, Alex Papaioannou, Jonah Swain and Benjamin Swain.
Evelyn was born in Sleeman, Ontario, and was one of eight children raised on the family farm there. She had very fond memories of life on the farm with her brothers and sisters and often shared memories of her many adventures and hard work growing up in the Rainy River District surrounded by her large family. She was very proud of her Scottish and Swedish ancestry and spent many years learning more about her family through her genealogical work. During those early years she cultivated a deep religious faith that stayed with her during her entire life.
Evelyn went to high school in Fort Frances followed by work at various jobs in Atikokan and Fort William (Thunder Bay) during the war years. After returning home to the Rainy River area Evelyn’s next work destination along with her sister Shirley was Kenora. Her time in the Kenora area of Lake of the Woods proved to be an important step in her life because it was there that she met the love of her life, Ed Crawford, whose family owned Crawford’s Camp in Sioux Narrows. Evelyn and Ed married in 1954 and ran the camp as an incredible team for 25 very successful years. During that time, they made many friends from the customers they attracted from all over North America. The years at the camp were special times with the family doing a lot of growing up and learning the ethic of hard work, the importance of family and a love of nature and Lake of the Woods. These traits and the love of the Lake have been passed on to the entire family who still consider the Sioux Narrows area of Lake of the Woods as a special place in their lives. Following their retirement from the camp business they were finally able to spend many happy hours fishing together on the lake that they so loved. They were also very committed to their community. Evelyn spent many years volunteering at the Sioux Narrows Curling Club, the ambulance, the Sioux Narrows Chamber of Commerce, the historical committee, and many others. She was always willing to “pitch in” on community events and activities. Later in life and following Ed’s passing she was able to travel to many parts of the world however she was always anxious to return to her home beside the lake whether in Sioux Narrows or Kenora.
Evelyn was an anchor for our family. She was a force of nature and was always there ready, willing, and able to help family members regardless of the distance she needed to travel, or the challenge presented. We all have cherished memories of sitting around her dinner table listening and telling stories and learning about past days and planning future adventures. Her skills at cribbage are legendary… according to her! She was deeply loved by her grandchildren and has left them with a lifetime of wonderful memories. We are all very fortunate to have loved, learned and been able to spend incredibly special times with her.
Evelyn was a deeply religious person. Her Mormon faith was very important and comforting to her.
In lieu of flowers and if family and friends so desire the family would appreciate donations to the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life is being planned for a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Crawford family.