We Remember
COMBAZ, Evelyn
June 2, 1921 — May 15, 2021
Evelyn passed peacefully into God’s hands May 15, 2021, in Kelowna, her adopted city of more than two decades. Just a whisper short of 100 years.
Evelyn made a decision very early in life, due to a childhood illness, to look for the silver lining and to trust in God. That attitude shaped her outlook and served her well ’til the time of her death.
Evelyn delighted in daily life. Her welcoming smile and love of meeting new people led her into a variety of people-oriented occupations. She was charmed by the Scottish dance of her paternal roots, inherited a love of music from her talented mother, and took great pleasure in belonging to a number of choirs throughout the years. She so loved a party.
Whether it was a simple “tea for two”, a symphony outing for six hundred under the stars, or a silly Halloween dress-up. You could count on Evelyn to be there helping, hosting, or just plain having fun.
Evelyn’s life in Kelowna focused on volunteer projects which she supported, such as the Catholic Women’s League, Pro-life Thrift Shop, the Red Hat Society, and the SPCA. The camaraderie of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church choir and the Good Time Entertainers filled her letters home to Winnipeg. Those who knew her well understood the pleasure she took from those commitments and also from her independence.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Agnus and Emma McVarish; sisters Ida McVarish, and Irene Bukoski Mlodzinski (George) (Walter); brothers Hugh (Jeanne), Fred, Gil (Doris), Leo (Eileen), Bernard (Betty).
She leaves to mourn niece and godchild Maureen Koblanski; niece Lynda (Frank) Pisa; brother Dennis (Olga) McVarish; Sister in law Betty McVarish; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place with future interment at Green Acres Winnipeg with the family.
Evelyn requested that any donations be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation or the Right to Life Society Kelowna
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Evelyn… thank you for the memories. You were so good to our family and had a special relationship with Emma when she was a growing up, never forgetting to send her a birthday card with a looney inside! We loved having you for Turkey dinners at Christmas and Easter and hearing your stories. You always followed up with a lovely thank you card. You were a great letter writer and always saw the silver lining through all of life’s challenges . I also loved coming to sing for you Christmas mornings since you’ve been at Spring Valley. . We were so blessed to have you in our lives. You will be missed sweet angel. Our condolences to all of your family.
With much love,
Marie Clarke and Emma
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Please accept my sincere condolences. So many memories. Evelyn, Irene, Hugh, Leo, Fred ,Gilbert, Benard, Holy Cross School and Church. We were all together.