Evelyn Gorham

Evelyn Gorham 1918-2017 Evelyn Ruth Gorham passed away peacefully on March 31, 2017 at the age of 99. She is pre-deceased by her loving husband, Paul Raymond Gorham, her parents and brothers. She leaves behind her children, John (Jennifer Medd, Terry Morrison), Arthur (Tannis Carlson) and Harriet (Jack Smith, Kevin Fitzgibbons), and grandchildren, Katherine (Trevor Pott), Daniel, Megan (Sean Paradis), Graeme and Hannah, and several nieces and nephews. She pursued a varied career as a teacher, secretary and homemaker, working at the Chinese Embassy and Carleton University in Ottawa in the 1940s. A competitive diver in her youth, she imparted a keen love for physical activity and the outdoors to her family. Evelyn loved music, theatre and the visual arts, and led the docent program at the Edmonton Art Gallery in the 1980s. In Ottawa, she volunteered with the First Unitarian Congregation, and in Edmonton, with the University Women's Club. She enjoyed an exceptional marriage with Paul, sharing many interests and opening their home to care for parents, grandchildren and younger relatives. A gifted cook, her kitchen table was a hub for family and friends, where she gently encouraged animated discussion on topics ranging from scholarly to personal. Evelyn's generous love, grace and playful sense of humour will be remembered by all who loved her. The family wishes to thank the staff of Saint Michael's Long-Term Care Centre and her companion, Roche Perea, for their tender care of Evelyn over the last five years. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, April 17, 2017 at 10909 - 96 St. NW, Edmonton. Memorial donations may be made to the Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton AB T5J 2C1.