Evelyn Mary Whalen (nee Armstrong) passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at her residence at 550 Osborne St. in Fort Frances, Ont.
Evelyn was born Thursday, April 21, 1921 on the family farm in Stratton, Ont. to the late Pat and Loretta Armstrong.
She was united in marriage to Minard Whalen on June 6, 1944. Together they raised five sons and four daughters.
Evelyn is survived by Patricia Whalen of Thunder Bay, Ont., Gerald (Brenda), Lorne (Vicky), Lance (Susan), and Ken (Debbie), all of Fort Frances, Ont., Dennis (Brenda) of Nestor Falls, Ont., June (Aurel) Nault of Petersfield, Man., Diane (Rick) Deschamps of Dryden, Ont.; son-in-law, Ray MacKinnon of Thunder Bay, Ont.; 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Evelyn also is survived by Ted and Gladys Lynch of Thunder Bay, Ont., Gen Essery of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Eileen Armstrong of Atikokan, Ont.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Pat and Loretta; husband, Minard; daughter, Marie; infant grandson, Paul; brother, Dennis Armstrong; and sisters, Teresa Norlund and Eileen McGee.
Mom’s lifetime passion for music began at an early age; beginning with her siblings, “The Armstrongs,” and then the well-known “Whalen Family Band” along with her husband and children.
They played for numerous dances and weddings throughout the district.
Upon retirement, she played with the “Norlund Funtime Band” for senior events.
Evelyn was a devout Catholic with unwavering faith and a kind and gentle spirit. She also was a lifelong member of the C.W.L.
Being an avid gardener brought her endless days of enjoyment.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life was held Monday, May 10, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of the Way Church in Pinewood, Ont., with Fr. Alan Albao officiating.
Visitation was held on Sunday, May 9, 2010 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Way Church, with vigil prayers being offered at 7:30 p.m.
Interment took place in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Stratton, Ont.
The pallbearers were Evelyn’s grandsons, Bob Whalen, Allan Nault, Lennie Nault, Justin Whalen, Turner MacKinnon, and Spencer MacKinnon.
Should friends and family so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Our Lady of the Way Building Fund, P.O. Box 33, Pinewood, Ont. or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
foto
