To Dave and family, my sincere condolences.  Evelyn and I were cousins. My mom was sister to Evelyn's dad.   We both lived on the same street - Alexander Avenue in Weston.  I was often at her parents home after school because they had a TV and we did not.  I was a teenager when her son Clyde was born and I was able to babysit for her and Dave.  I didn't get to see them a lot after I was married because I moved out of province, but I tried to visit when I could.  I last saw Evelyn and Dave in 2019.  As usual she was a gracious hostess.  I have a photo of the poem she wrote called "A Crystal Wave" that she wrote in 1987.  What a talent!  May Evelyn rest in peace.
Love, Diana Ward (nee Vance), 
Milton, Ontario  

Thank you mom for all the wonderful memories

🦋There are not enough words to describe how much I miss you Mom. It's tougher than I ever thought it would be. AND "Even though we won’t get to celebrate Mother’s Day together it’s a good feeling knowing we’re still connected in a way that’s bigger than any distance.” I will see you again in heaven Mom.
Happy Mother's Day🌸🦋🌸
Love you forever,
Cheryl 🦋

Jan and I send sincere condolences to all who loved her.

I really wish I could have been there with you all today in Winnipeg, to remember my grandmother, Evelyn Finlay. Please know that I am there in spirit and am sending you all hugs and well wishes.

I have so many fond memories of Grandma that I will hold close to me for the rest of my life.  Christmas day family get togethers on Locke street where Grandma would watch with pure joy as us kids opened presents. Grandma singing along with Grandpa Finlay to old country songs out at the lake. Grandma’s incredible strawberry rhubarb jam, the best jam in the world.  In 2015, spending Christmas in Chilliwack with Grandma and Grandpa Finlay, my wife and daughter, and my mom and dad, where I got to watch Grandma teach my daughter, her great grand daughter, Sophia, how to knit.

Grandma Finlay was always there, even when she wasn't. When I moved away from Winnipeg and wasn’t physically near her anymore, there was not a single birthday, easter, anniversary, valentines day, or Christmas, that I did not receive a card in the mail along with a note from Grandma + Grandpa Finlay. And there is not a doubt in my mind, that every one of her children, grandchildren, great grand children, relatives and close friends experienced this same thoughtfulness too. You always knew Grandma cared and was thinking about you.

Grandma’s years of work and research on our family tree has instilled a value of tradition, history and ancestry in myself and the younger generations of our family that will continue to inspire our story for generations to come. Let Grandma Finlay’s unwavering legacy of love and devotion to her family and those dear to her be a guiding light to us all.

You are forever in my heart, Grandma. So long. 
Love, Michael Walker

Dear Mom, 
I've cherished your love, your unwavering devotion to all your children, and the beauty which took place by the wonderful moments and celebrations you've given to the family. You have stood beside me with no regrets. You have always brought joy into my life which has tested my character, personality, and the many obstacles throughout my life. Mom, you taught me resilience, compassion, the strength to love and to be loved. You encouraged me to be brave when needed and to sacrifice as a young man as a single parent in my late twenties. You brought comfort, caring, and laughter to the many journeys as a family traveling while on holidays or camping, and while homesteading in Calgary, Vancouver, and our hometown, Winnipeg. I'm privileged to say I've witnessed your courage and your willingness to pursue your dreams as a young girl of fourteen by writing stories like Alibaba and Forty Thieves while lying on my grandparent's floor listing to the radio.  Later in life, you wrote Poetry, knit styles of scarfs, winter mittens, and toques.  As our family grew Mom, you took on a giant project in life and that was to develop an amazing catalog of family photos and a multitude of albums for each person. Now I know where I get my passion for creating art from, you have always impressed me in all that you do! Even being published in the written word, you stayed true in mind, body, and soul by carrying on the historical legacy of our family tree. Your journey will always be known as courageous with a splash of kindness and your uplifting smile. 

You've always provided a gentle hand, heartfelt hopes of dreams to strengthen my life. I now prosper through the wisdom gained by the touching traditions passed on.  You have left me with the ultimate treasure by me remembering our last hour together.  I silently spoke to Angels above who took you to Heaven in my presence.  

 So long for now Mom!  
Your Son, Clyde.


 

Grandma there are so many memories I have to remember about you from you going to the beach and playing  in the water with me. To you teaching me to bake cookies and treats and your famous strawberry rhubarb jam. You will be missed so dearly. I love you so much grandma. 



                  ❤️Mom❤️

Life changes in an instant unexpectedly , but mom who taught us to persevere it’s so hard to lose you . You instilled in our hearts , memories that can never be taken away❤️ you showed strength and kindness ,mom you were a woman of strength and perseverance.
Your love for your grandchildren was unconditional and Constant. There is only a happiness that you are with the ones you wanted to see and be with again . You deserve to be free from all the pain that you have endured❤️ 
I don’t know what life will look like without you , it’s too hard to imagine right now , although I will try to follow in your footsteps. Your Strength ,perseverance and kindness and love you always showed compassion and forgiveness and I was blessed to have you as my mother .


Thank you for being faithful 💕

always and forever xoxoxoxo

My M♥️M

So long for now!

Mom this is one of our favourite things to do is to look at your beautiful photo library of your family tree that you created over years and years of hard work! The extensive work of digging up the files and names birthdates and deaths that you included in each book, memories that will last a lifetime for the ones you have left behind. Each one of your family members your grandchildren and great grandchildren love you more than words can say. You have proven to be a Brave One!

You belong to the Good Deed Club
You treasure this song and the words went like this:

Do a good deed every day
Obey the golden rule
Never say an angry word or be unkind or cruel
Gather seeds of happiness
At home at play or school
Because you’ll find the sunshine everywhere
Obey the Golden rule.


So sorry to hear of your loss. We remember Evelyn as a wonderful and kind hearted person, always with a smile on her face.
Sincere condolences from David and Cheryl Wakaluk.

Clyde, Cheryl and families,  Sorry for your loss.  Loving tribute to your Mom.  
Sincere condolences, Joan Pullen


My Grandmother will forever hold a special place in my heart, not only for the love and compassion she showed over the years, but also for the wisdom she shared. So many simple lessons came through the time spent at her side. Learning to cook, to sew, and even knitting were only a few of the skills she passed to me so that I might share them with my family one day. The cooking part, I do. Her life was filled with stories to be shared about dancing at Grand Beach, singing along side my Grandfather and the need to lock the freezer to dissuade the children from eating all the ice cream. Her love was shown through the efforts to which she would go to see someone else smile. As a child, she helped build a collection of Star Wars figures with me, to the extent that she would write to the manufacture directly to attain items not available in Canadian stores. In the kitchen so many hours would pass in preparation for a meal that she would watch others enjoy for a fraction of the time. As an adult, I took note and appreciation of the resilience, loyalty and dedication she showed with a general rule to be kind to others. Most notably however was her determination to remain connected to those she loved by way of hand written letters sent via mail. Her love for her family was absolute regardless of the circumstances, and for this, she will continue to remain with us in our hearts.

When Evelyn spoke to you it was like turning toward the sun. She just gave pure love. I didn't know her all that well or see her all that often but I can still feel what it was like to be a child in her presence, she just gave you all her attention and love and I remember HER giggling just as much as we would.  She was a joyful and passionate spirit who made you feel like a superstar; like you could do anything or be anything. I'm certain there would have never been enough time with her. I'm sorry that the time has come to let her go. Much love to all of the Finlays.

OBITUARY

Evelyn Rose Finlay

30 April, 1934 – 29 January, 2022

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services