Evelyn Mary Whalen, 89

Evelyn Mary Whalen

Evelyn Mary Whalen (nee Armstrong) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at her residence, 550 Osborne Street in Fort Frances.
Evelyn was born on Thursday, April 21, 1921 on the family farm in Stratton, Ontario to the late Pat and Loretta Armstrong.
She was united in marriage to Minard Whalen on June 6, 1944. Together they raised 5 sons and 4 daughters. She is survived by Patricia Whalen of Thunder Bay, Gerald (Brenda), Lorne (Vicky), Lance (Susan), Ken (Debbie), all of Fort Frances, Dennis (Brenda) of Nestor Falls, June (Aurel) Nault of Petersfield, Man, Diane (Rick) Deschamps of Dryden, son-in-law Ray MacKinnon of Thunder Bay, 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Evelyn is also survived by Ted and Gladys Lynch of Thunder Bay, Gen Essery of Thunder Bay and Eileen Armstrong of Atikokan.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Pat and Loretta, husband Minard, daughter Marie, infant grandson Paul, brother Dennis Armstrong, sisters Teresa Norlund and Eileen McGee.
Mom’s lifetime passion for music began at an early age; beginning with her siblings, “The Armstrongs”, then the well known “Whalen Family Band”, along with her husband and children. They played for numerous dances and weddings throughout the district. Upon retirement she played with the “ Norlund Funtime Band” for senior events.
Evelyn was a devote Catholic with unwavering faith and a kind and gentle spirit. She was also a lifelong member of the CWL. Being an avid gardener brought her endless days of enjoyment.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life was held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Way Church in Pinewood with Father Alan Albao officiating.
Visitation was held on Sunday evening at Our Lady of the Way Church from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:30 p.m.
Interment took place in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Stratton.
The pallbearers were Evelyn’s grandsons, Bob Whalen, Allan Nault, Lennie Nault, Justin Whalen, Turner MacKinnon and Spencer MacKinnon.
Should friends and family so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Our Lady of the Way Building Fund, Box 33, Pinewood, Ontario or in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8
On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com