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Evelyn Bernice Russell (nee Berg)

September 22, 2017

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1926 - 2017

Mrs. Evelyn Bernice Russell (nee Berg) passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Bethany CollegeSide in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 91 years, eighteen days after the death of her beloved husband and life partner of over fifty-eight years, Art Russell.

Evelyn was born on September 19, 1926 at Bisbee, North Dakota; she was the second daughter of Edward and Nellie Berg. Evelyn attended many schools during her education, as her family moved numerous times in Alberta; and she made a host of lifelong friends along the way.

She was a proud and valued employee of the CIBC for thirty-eight years, and enjoyed the opportunity to provide genuine customer service. Evelyn was revered for her memory of details about family and life events until vascular dementia robbed her of many of her impressive cognitive abilities.

She was gifted with creativity and loved to share her handiwork which included: knitting, crocheting, paper toule and cross stitch projects. Many projects were completed with her mother and sister. Numerous family and friends have been fortunate enough to have received at least one personalized cross stitch birthday, graduation or anniversary card.

Evelyn was a devoted wife, a faithful caregiver to her mother and mother-in-law, a loving and supportive sister and sister-in-law, and a proud auntie and great auntie. She was nurturing, altruistic, and giving. She was also a family historian who kept dozens of photo albums filled with pictures of family and friends, and clippings from newspapers about weddings, funerals and important events.

Evelyn was a trusted navigator (but Art was the chauffeur), a gardener, a great baker (we will miss her pumpkin pies), a canner of juice, beets, jellies, and jams, an interested and good neighbor, and a reliable volunteer, especially with the PARTY program. She loved ice cream, the color purple, puzzles, Danielle Steele novels, pin curls, and Art's home perms.

Evelyn also loved a parade, her and Art regularly attended the annual Ponoka Stampede parade. They also loved going on road trips in the Alaskan camper and later in the motorhome, time at the farm, and meeting friends for breakfast at A&W and afternoon coffee at McDonalds, or Bower Place. Most of all, Evelyn loved any family function, especially if there was cake! Evelyn and Art were like two peas in a pod. They were humble, respectful, generous and unassuming.

The loss of her beloved Art was too much for Evelyn's heart to bear. The family finds comfort in knowing that Evelyn is now reunited with her Artie for eternity. Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Ed (Bonnie) Berg, her sister-in-law, Gail Berg, brother-in-law, Don (Sandra) Russell, numerous nieces and nephews; as well as great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends in Canada and the United States.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Nellie Berg, her husband, Art, a sister, Frances Moore, a brother, Don Berg and many extended family members both young and old.

A heartfelt thank you to the local family for the love and support of Evelyn and Art, as their health declined over recent years. Also, sincere gratitude to all of the caring staff of Unit B2 and to volunteers, Carol T., Pat H., and Lynn F. for being with Auntie Evelyn to the end.

In memory of Evelyn, please give someone you love a hug and a kiss. A Funeral Service will be held for Evelyn on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects one hour prior to service. Interment to follow service at Alto Reste Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 403.340.4040.