Louise passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2016 in Comox B.C. at the age of 106 years. She was predeceased by her husband, James Evan in 1983, her brother Robert Henry Pearce in 1998 and her son-in-law John William Murray in 2008. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Murray of Comox, her sons Donald (Betty) of Calgary and Gordon (Joyanne) of Edmonton/Victoria, 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Born in Port Colborne, Ontario, in 1910, Louise lived her early life in several places in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as the daughter of a Baptist minister. She and Evan were married in 1935 and after the birth of their three children in Toronto, the family moved to Edmonton in 1950. She started her career as a legal secretary in Toronto and spent 20 years at the University of Alberta as a secretary, including to the Dean of Education, retiring in 1972. Louise subsequently moved to Comox in 2002.
During her life, Louise was very active in the United Church of Canada, volunteering in virtually all activities from UCW to Choir. She passionately served with the Parkinson Society of Alberta for over 20 years and received a service award in her name, a lifetime achievement honor. She was also an honorary member of the Comox Valley Probus Club. A woman of strong beliefs and high moral standards, she always applied those in a kind, loving and forgiving manner. She was positive, humorous, encouraging and respectful of everyone as a wife, mother, grandma and friend, and whose temperament made a difference.
Special thanks to those who cared for her in the last year and specifically for the exceptional care of LeeAnn Martin. A memorial service will be held at Comox United Church on Friday February 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm, followed by a short reception at the Church. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of B.C., 600, 890 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6C 1J9. Condolences and recollections can be made to the family at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 250-334-0707 (Email: comvalfh@shaw.ca).