EVELYN MATHILDA STACHIW

It is with great sadness that the family of Evelyn Mathilda Stachiw (nee Bly) announces her passing on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014.
Evelyn was born March 26, 1928 in International Falls, Mn. to McThilmen and Annie Bly. She was their first-born.
Evelyn spent her early years in International Falls. Later, when her father passed away, the family, including Evelyn, her two sisters, Joyce and Dorothy, and her mother, moved to Borop, Mn. to be closer to family.
Her mother, Annie, then met Ed L’Heureux and they married and moved the family back to International Falls, where they had a son, Jim L’Heureux.
On June 22, 1946, Evelyn married Walter Stachiw of Fort Frances, Ont. and they made their home in Canada, where they had four children.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Bonnie (Darold) Shute of Devlin, Ont., Barb (Clifford) Shute of Devlin, Ont., David (Kathleen) Stachiw of Huntsville, Ont., and Karen (Rick) Stachiw of Fort Frances, Ont.
Evelyn also had 13 grandchildren, whom she loved and cared deeply for: Jana (Isaac) Morris, James (Teresa) Shute, Nathan (Angela) Shute, Michael (Melody) Shute, Eric (Randy) Shute, Kristina (Jeff) Pollard, Logan Stachiw, Landon Stachiw, Julie Stachiw, Jared Stachiw, Stephanie Wirtz, Rachael Wirtz, and Hailey Wirtz.
She also is survived by her sisters, Joyce (Don) Bolstad of International Falls, Mn. and Dorothy (Duane) Rasmussen of Clarkfield, Mn.; brother, Jim (Kristin) L’Heureux of Lenexa, Kan.; and sister-in-law, Maizie Hay.
She also had 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Walter Stachiw; parents, McThilmen Bly and Annie L’Heureux, and stepfather, Ed L’Heureux; and brother-in-law, Gilbert Hay.
Evelyn worked in retail, including Garton’s, Silver’s, and Dorothy’s. She also was an active member of the Royal Purple for many years.
She enjoyed entertaining at the “Stachiw” Island and loved going to the casino. Her favourite pastime was spending time with her family, and her faith always was an important part of her life.
Evelyn’s favourite time of the year was Christmas—always excited to have the home full of family. She was forever making sure all her shopping was done way ahead of time, and she always made sure that all the presents were equally and fairly divided amongst her children and grandchildren.
In the 1970s, Evelyn and her husband, Walter, bought a second home in Florida, where they spent most winter months enjoying the warmth and sunshine.
After Walter passed away in 1995, Evelyn moved into an apartment at Shevlin Towers. She looked forward to her weekly routine of hair and manicure appointments at Celeste’s and playing cards every Tuesday at the Sister Kennedy Centre.
She never missed her Monday morning visits with her sister, Joyce, and brother-in-law, Don, at McDonald’s for a coffee and a muffin.
You always could entice her with a game or two of Yahtzee, and she loved her crossword puzzles.
Friends and family will gather for the celebration of her life on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Frances, with Pastor Brian Keffer officiating.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m., prior to the service at the church.
The pallbearers will be David Stachiw, Clifford Shute, Darold Shute, and Rick Chambers.
In memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com