It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, nurse, and community volunteer, Evelyn Fraser, who lived a long, fruitful life and passed away peacefully at her care home on the early evening of July 29, 2024. She was 89 years old.

Evelyn was born on the summer solstice, June 21, 1935, in Three Brooks, Nova Scotia, where she spent much of her early life living on the family farm in Scotsburn. She was the eldest daughter of Gertrude and George MacLeod and grew up with Blair, Ivan, Jim, and Elna in a close-knit family. Evelyn was an excellent student and began school in a one-room schoolhouse before attending Pictou Academy. After graduation she went to the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. After graduation, she worked as an RN for over 13 years, locally in Halifax as well as in Ottawa (at the National Defense Medical Centre) and Boston. She was also active in the Royal Canadian Air Force Auxiliary from 1959 to 1962, attaining the rank of Flying Officer.

She further developed her nursing career in the 1960s by completing her Diploma in Nursing Service Administration at Dalhousie and graduated in 1967. She continued her career specializing in OR and Neurosurgery, becoming Supervisor of the Neurosurgical OR at the VG. In the 1980s, after the death of her husband Gordon, she went back to work as an OR nurse working at Soldiers Memorial in Middleton until the age of 72. She spent many years helping to care for and heal countless patients.

Evelyn married Gordon in 1968, and they were blessed with three children, Bruce, Jamie, and Hector. She was a devoted wife, and they both enjoyed 16 years of love and companionship until his passing in 1984. As a mother, Evelyn was kind, nurturing, and supportive, always putting her family's needs before her own, especially during those difficult years after Gordon's passing. With Gordon's death, she faced the immediate challenge of raising three young boys on her own. Despite these hardships, she always ensured that they never wanted for anything. She did her best to raise her sons with a determined dignity and respect, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. Today, all three are successful men with wonderful families of their own, a testament to her unwavering love and dedication.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Evelyn was a dedicated community volunteer. She believed in the importance of giving back and spent countless hours volunteering for various organizations, including the United Church of Canada, Emmanuel Congregational Church, and the Valley Claymore Society. Evelyn's devotion to her church and community was strong and steadfast. She was deeply involved in community outreach, often tending to the sick, the elderly, and those in need. Her compassion and commitment to helping others were evident in her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around her. She played an active role in the administrative affairs of her church, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Her leadership, organizational skills, and her contributions left a lasting impact on the community she loved so much.

She had a love for drama and music, which she shared generously with her community. For decades, she wrote, produced, and directed the dramatic Christmas pageants at her church, bringing joy and inspiration to all who attended. She was always active in the church choir and looked forward to singing every Sunday. Her creativity and passion for the arts were evident in every performance, and her dedication to these productions created cherished memories for countless families. Evelyn's contributions to the cultural life of her community will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Her selflessness, dedication, and hard work helped to make her community a better place.

Evelyn will be deeply missed by her children Bruce (Kerry), Jamie (Kristen), and Hector (Kelley); grandchildren: Camryn, Claire, Rebecca, Clara, Mabel, Evelyn, and Eoin; and her many friends. She is survived by her sister Elna (Richard) Innis and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Her kindness, wisdom, and selfless generosity touched the lives of everyone who knew her and we are grateful for the many memories we have of her and the strong legacy she leaves behind.

A special thanks to the dedicated care staff at both Precision Health (Washmill Lake Drive) and Parkstone Enhanced Care who took such wonderful care of Evelyn over the past two years.

The memorial service to celebrate Evelyn's life will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 17 in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1.855.825.3448. Rev. William MacDougall and Rev. Sweis Ubels officiating. Private interment in Bethel Church Cemetery, Scotsburn, Pictou County.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Scotsburn, Emmanuel Congregational Church in Middleton, or Hope and Healing International, formerly Christian Blind Mission, an organization that was close to her heart. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com

Rest in peace, Mom. You will always be loved and remembered.