Obituary for Evelyn Janette Kennedy (Vavra)
We rejoice and celebrate the life of our dear Mother and Nana, Evelyn Janette Kennedy, who passed
from this physical world on January 8, 2021 after a short and extremely courageous battle with cancer.
Born June 18, 1936 in Outlook, SK, Evelyn was the 8th of 11 children. Mom spoke often and fondly of
growing up during the depression. They may not have had much, but together they had everything.
Milking cows before school, bringing them up from the pasture after school, Mom was a tomboy and
preferred helping her older brother Johnny with chores around the farm as opposed to chores inside the
house. Mom was athletic, competitive, and a spitfire always.
At an Outlook dance when Mom was 18 years old, she saw a tall, handsome and in her words, “wild”,
SaskPower man, Russ Kennedy. They married July 14, 1956 in Broderick, SK and four children were born
to this union:
Janice
Colin (Laurie), grandchildren Alisha and Amanda
Brenda (Michael), grandchildren Colby and Ashley
Jodie (Brent), grandchildren Cody, Christi, Amy, Brianne and great grandchildren Karver and Hayvyn
They moved from Rosthern to Melfort in 1965, and Melfort is where they raised their family, met
life-long friends, and became part of the fabric of the community of Melfort.
Mom was the life of the party and a person who people gravitated to. She had a terrific sense of humor,
loved to laugh, and the word from so many that described Mom was “fun”. Her years spent curling
were filled with many bonspiels, nail-biting games, and Mom was always part of the entertainment
committee writing and performing her own skits. How she loved to be on stage making people laugh
and enjoy themselves.
Mom loved her house and yard; her flowers and garden were a great source of pride for her. Many
gatherings took place in Mom’s patio where family and friends were always welcome and laughter rang
down Churchill Drive.
Mom’s family was her No. 1 priority her entire life. There was never one Christmas, Thanksgiving,
Easter, birthday that was more special than any other because Mom made every family event amazing.
Cooking, decorating, never forgetting anyone – family or friend. She placed everyone first, before
herself, and this was the essence that was Mom.
Evelyn will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren, three sisters - Anne, Veronica, Barbara and one brother, Bill, and sister-in-law,
Darlene.
She was predeceased by her husband, Russ, in May 2014 and sisters: Margaret, Marion, Mary, Vivian
brothers: Johnny and Fred, mother Anna and her father, John; mother and father- in-law, brother-in-law,
sister-in-law, numerous great uncles and aunts.
Memorial donations may be made in Evelyn's name to the Melfort Curling Club or a Charity of One's Choice.
A "Come and Go" reception will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 2-5 PM at the Melfort Curling Club Lounge.
All those who knew and loved Evelyn are welcome to attend.
from this physical world on January 8, 2021 after a short and extremely courageous battle with cancer.
Born June 18, 1936 in Outlook, SK, Evelyn was the 8th of 11 children. Mom spoke often and fondly of
growing up during the depression. They may not have had much, but together they had everything.
Milking cows before school, bringing them up from the pasture after school, Mom was a tomboy and
preferred helping her older brother Johnny with chores around the farm as opposed to chores inside the
house. Mom was athletic, competitive, and a spitfire always.
At an Outlook dance when Mom was 18 years old, she saw a tall, handsome and in her words, “wild”,
SaskPower man, Russ Kennedy. They married July 14, 1956 in Broderick, SK and four children were born
to this union:
Janice
Colin (Laurie), grandchildren Alisha and Amanda
Brenda (Michael), grandchildren Colby and Ashley
Jodie (Brent), grandchildren Cody, Christi, Amy, Brianne and great grandchildren Karver and Hayvyn
They moved from Rosthern to Melfort in 1965, and Melfort is where they raised their family, met
life-long friends, and became part of the fabric of the community of Melfort.
Mom was the life of the party and a person who people gravitated to. She had a terrific sense of humor,
loved to laugh, and the word from so many that described Mom was “fun”. Her years spent curling
were filled with many bonspiels, nail-biting games, and Mom was always part of the entertainment
committee writing and performing her own skits. How she loved to be on stage making people laugh
and enjoy themselves.
Mom loved her house and yard; her flowers and garden were a great source of pride for her. Many
gatherings took place in Mom’s patio where family and friends were always welcome and laughter rang
down Churchill Drive.
Mom’s family was her No. 1 priority her entire life. There was never one Christmas, Thanksgiving,
Easter, birthday that was more special than any other because Mom made every family event amazing.
Cooking, decorating, never forgetting anyone – family or friend. She placed everyone first, before
herself, and this was the essence that was Mom.
Evelyn will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren, three sisters - Anne, Veronica, Barbara and one brother, Bill, and sister-in-law,
Darlene.
She was predeceased by her husband, Russ, in May 2014 and sisters: Margaret, Marion, Mary, Vivian
brothers: Johnny and Fred, mother Anna and her father, John; mother and father- in-law, brother-in-law,
sister-in-law, numerous great uncles and aunts.
Memorial donations may be made in Evelyn's name to the Melfort Curling Club or a Charity of One's Choice.
A "Come and Go" reception will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 2-5 PM at the Melfort Curling Club Lounge.
All those who knew and loved Evelyn are welcome to attend.