Evelyn Siles

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Siles (nee Stark) on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at age 84.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Lyle Siles, in 2016, and by her parents, Robert and Isobel, her older siblings John and Edith, and by lifelong best friend Audrey Koch (nee Mayfield).

She will be profoundly missed by her children Cameron (Stefania Trombetti), Colleen (Michael Balagus) and Cara (Roland Boissonneault), her grandchildren Sidney, Sara, Isabella and Nicholas, her brother Robert and his wife Jackie, and countless more family and friends.

Evelyn came into the world at St. Boniface Hospital on February 19, 1939, and took her last breath there as well.  But oh, what a life in between!

Evelyn grew up on Berrydale Avenue in St. Vital with her Scottish immigrant parents and was extremely proud of her Scottish heritage.  The family enjoyed summers at Big Whiteshell and Evelyn relished in helping with the harvest of fruit and vegetables from the large family garden. 

Following her graduation from Glenlawn Collegiate, she attended Success Business College, proud of the top marks she earned in typing and shorthand and forging new and lasting friendships.  She went on to work at Trans-Canada Airlines, where she indulged her passion for travel.  It was here Evelyn would meet her future husband during breaks at the TCA Stephenson Field cafeteria.

Evelyn was all about family.  She took immense interest and pride in her children’s lives, sharing their adventures and getting to know their friends.  When her four beautiful grandchildren came along, a whole new round of watching sports, dance recitals and concerts began.  There were new fans of her rhubarb cake and cookies to be baked and mailed to Ottawa.

She loved the outdoors, camping and cross-country road trips.  Armed with her trusty Reader’s Digest Canadian Book of the Road, Evelyn played tour guide for the family, entertaining with endless facts and figures for all major sites along the way.  Evelyn also gave back to her community as a long-time Girl Guides leader.

Despite her stage IV lymphoma diagnosis in 2011, Evelyn was a determined fighter.  Through various challenging treatments and post-remission, she continued to pursue her passions.  She was able to enjoy a final trip with her family to Scotland.  A trip full of happy reunions and memories.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Boniface Hospital, under the direction of Dr. Elise Crocker, for the care and comfort they provided to Evelyn during her final days.

Although cremation has taken place, family and friends will be invited to gather for a celebration of her life, with arrangements to be communicated at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Evelyn Siles can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave, Rm 1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Tel: 204-787-4143

Bonailie and farewell lass.  And until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.