Obituary of Martha Brechin Evens

January 20, 1930 – Calgary, Alberta

July 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Martha Evens (nee Birrell) passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024. She was predeceased by her loving husband, George, in November of 2020; her sisters, Jesse Roberts and Marion Hall; and her brother, Robert Birrell.

Martha, a native Calgarian, was a loyal Canadian proud of her Scottish heritage. She grew up in Calgary before moving to Medicine Hat in 1944. After returning to Calgary, she met her childhood sweetheart and married George in September 1956. They moved around Alberta and Saskatchewan before settling in Calgary in 1966, where they remained until her passing. Martha was an avid gardener, which she inherited from her father. She also worked for several years at the Calgary Health Clinic in Bowness as a receptionist.

Her daughter, Jane Carss (Robert), and son, John Evens (Sharon), will remember her as a devoted mother and a caring person who donated to many causes to improve the lives of people and animals. Martha was a true “dog person,” having a pet dog throughout most of her life. She was always excited to see anyone’s dog, offering them a pet and, of course, a treat.

Martha was a beloved grandmother to Jill (James) Northwood (nee Evens), Gordon (Victoria) Evens, Marshall Evens, and Ross (Sara Jay) Evens; whom she and George adored. They both spent countless hours of fun and joy with their grandchildren, enjoying their sports activities and their company.

Martha is also remembered as a loving great-grandmother to Isla, Bennett, Oliver, and Theodore Northwood; these little people lit up her life. She was always curious about their activities and loved their visits, especially when they would “play the piano” that she had.

Her table companions and others at Cambridge Manor remember her for her wit and humour. Our families would like to acknowledge the special care and compassion given by the Cambridge Manor staff.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818,  www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

Memorial Services will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919 – 8th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A family Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB).

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Martha’s family here.

In living memory of Martha Evens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.