Having graced the world for almost a century, Evelyn Bernice Ingram passed away peacefully on April 10, 2020, at the age of 97 in Calgary, Alta. with her daughter Sandra at her side. Evelyn was born to loving and hard-working parents, William Judson Caughey and Genevieve May Hall on Sept. 17, 1922, on a farm near Craven, Sask. She described her first memory as, “standing in the front yard of my home on the slopes of the Qu’Appelle Valley and looking over the valley in the springtime watching the hundreds of pelicans floating on the blue water.” Significantly younger than her two older sisters, Irene and Elaine, Evelyn recalled many of her younger years as being lonely and it was then that she discovered her love of reading. Having grown up on a farm in the dirty 30s and having memories of paperboys screaming “Extra! Extra! War!” Evelyn represents one of our most iconic generations. She approached life with practicality, strength and humbleness coupled with a deep love and commitment to her family and friends. This was demonstrated by her passion for gardening, participation in the church, culinary and baking skills, deftness with finances and most importantly, a deep devotion to her family. She was always the consummate lady who took pride in never having a hair out of place and having an eye for manners. Evelyn spent most of her life living in Alameda, Sask., which is where she brought up her beloved daughter, Sandra Lynne Ann and met and married the love of her life, Robert Ingram. She was a hard worker who took on many different jobs including waitressing in her parent’s café, working in the Slack’s general store and volunteering in the local library, however; Evelyn always saw her most important role as being there for her family. In 1997, Evelyn and Bob moved to Calgary to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her later years, she moved into the McKenzie Towne Retirement home and then to the Brentwood Care Centre. Evelyn is survived by her daughter Sandra Hood (nee Fenton), who spent the last 14 years overseeing her care, and her son-in-law, Gordon Hood; her grandchildren, Colleen Janssen (Gerard), Greg Hood (Heather), and Justin Hood (Lisa); her great-grandchildren Jayke, Sierra, Payton, Vienne, Jorja and Amos; and her niece Della Bigsby (Rod). She was predeceased by her parents Judd and Genevieve Caughey; her sisters Irene Barber and Elaine Barber; and her adoring husband Robert Ingram. Evelyn’s family are deeply appreciative to all her care providers and extend their heartfelt thank you to the Brentwood Care Centre staff, Amrit and Dr. Cenabre for their professional and personal support during Evelyn’s difficult journey with dementia. To Evelyn’s care givers: Marlena, Dora, Day and Paulie, who were by her side every day for five years, we are deeply appreciative for the smiles you brought to her face and how you cared for her with such tenderness and love. Evelyn will be laid to rest beside Robert Ingram in the Alameda Cemetery. A private funeral service will be held at a later date. Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca
