Evelyn Jean Pretty, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on December 8, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Gladys Pretty; her brothers, Raymond Pretty and Daniel Pretty; her brother-in-law Grant McWilliams.
Evelyn is survived by her brother Edward (Lynne) Pretty and family: Danell (Jerry) van Staveren and children Pieter and Adrienne, Garon (Amanda) Pretty and children Bode and Nyia; her sister-in-law Lorraine Pretty and family: Glen Pretty, Margaret Pretty, Darol Pretty, Dale (Erin) Pretty and children Cassidy, Emma and Sydney; her sister, Joyce McWilliams and family, Kathryn McWilliams, Ian (Jennifer) McWilliams and children Grace and Bennett; Allen (Amanda) McWilliams and children Clark and Myles.
Evelyn Jean Pretty was born July 18th, 1941. Home for Evelyn was the farm at Talmage, Saskatchewan, where she grew up. Her childhood household was large and busy including her Grandma and Grandpa Pretty, her parents Harold and Gladys, older brothers Raymond, Edward, and Daniel, and her younger sister Joyce.
Evelyn began school at Killean, a one room school, arriving each day via horse transportation. Following Killean’s closure, Evelyn attended school in Talmage. She graduated high school from Western Christian College at North Weyburn. Following high school, she enrolled at The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Science where she studied accounting. Following schooling, Evelyn worked at various jobs in Weyburn, until 1979, when she began work at the newly expanded Wor-Kin Shop, where she put her accounting skills to good use, particularly in the payroll department. She was very dedicated to this job, and saw to it that the books always balanced. If her ledgers were off, even by a penny, she would spend her own time, even weekends, tracking down the error. Evelyn greatly enjoyed her work, and her friends at the Wor-Kin Shop.
Evelyn became a tenant at the newly opened Legion Towers in 1978. Evelyn lived there for many years, and greatly enjoyed her independence. She loved having her own place. She especially enjoyed the company of many dear, and long time, friends. Evelyn lived in Legion Towers until it became necessary for her to move to The Weyburn Special Care Home in 2003, where she resided for twenty-one- and one-half years.
Evelyn lived a quiet life, and enjoyed its quiet pleasures. As a child, she recalled playing games, such as Chinese Checkers, and Snakes and Ladders. Throughout her life, Evelyn loved to knit, and spent countless hours at her craft. She knit socks and mitts, sweaters and afghans, doll and baby clothes, siwash sweaters (for her brothers’ curling team) and hats. She was particularly proud of the opportunities, over the years, to teach others to knit. Evelyn loved spending time with family and friends. When she was younger, she especially treasured tea time with her mother Gladys, special aunt Jean, and her beloved Grandma Charlton. She also looked forward each year to Christmas, when family gathered at her place to celebrate with her.
Evelyn had the misfortune of suffering multiple diseases that greatly impacted her life. As a newborn, encephalitis nearly claimed her life. At the age of twelve, polio hospitalized her for two years, leaving her right side weakened (luckily, she was left-handed), and unable to walk without a brace and crutches. Evelyn suffered with epilepsy from childhood, never knowing when the next seizure would interfere with her life. Due to polio, osteoporosis severely affected her bones, causing them to be “like eggshells” and easily broken. Throughout her life she had many broken bones, including, late in her life, bones that could not heal. Evelyn patiently spent many years of her life in hospital, or recovering at home.
Evelyn was a quiet, friendly, gentle soul, who always had a smile on her face. Although her life had many setbacks, she always found a way to keep going. Her exit from this world was deservedly gentle. After a normal day of daily activities, she went to sleep on December 7th, and did not wake up on December 8th. Evelyn will be missed, and lovingly remembered by those who knew her.
Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at a later date.
For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Weyburn Care-A-Van Society, Box 1082, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2L3.
