Eva Corrine Mary was born on August 21, 1939, to proud parents Wilfred and Marjorie (Rody) Brodhagen. Eva was the eldest of five siblings. The Brodhagens owned a farm on the 4th of Brant. Eva enjoyed farm life, especially helping with the animals and being outdoors in nature. This started a respect and fondness for all four-legged creatures that would continue throughout her entire life.
As a young woman, Eva met a young man by the name of Ronald Albert Henry Schultz. The two hit it off and were wed at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hanover on Saturday, July 6, 1968, with a big reception following at the Brodhagen family farm. Together the two built up a successful business and a home that would last a lifetime. Eva and Ron welcomed their daughter Christine on Monday, August 19, 1974. A running family joke was that Eva held on until Monday to deliver Christine so that the bake shop would be closed, and Ron could be there.
Eva loved the outdoors, being active, and being one with nature. She enjoyed walking and hiking, with their annual family hike of the Bruce Trail being a favourite. Eva loved Sauble Beach and treasured her time there. She also enjoyed reading the Sun Times, KW Record, and National Geographic magazines. This proved to be quite beneficial in her later years as she felt she still got to see and enjoy many places even though she could no longer travel.
Eva’s family was her world. It didn’t matter if it was Ron, Christine, Brian, Cooper, siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins, Eva always had a concern for everyone’s well-being. She was always kind, generous, and supportive of her family at every turn. The laughs, hugs, and adventures were plentiful, and it is times like these when we need to embrace these memories. Eva would want us to remember, that life is short, so live in the moment and try to enjoy every day to the fullest.
Around 2010, signs began to appear that Eva was beginning to struggle with dementia. The love and support she provided to so many others for her entire life, were paid back to her. Family, friends, and personal support workers allowed Eva to keep her independence as her condition became worse. Ron and Christine’s roles were reversed, and they now became the primary caregivers, catering to Eva’s every need. Following Ron’s stroke in 2020, Eva called Rockwood Terrace in Durham home. Once again, she was surrounded by amazing people who continued to provide for her. Everyone’s act of kindness will never be forgotten by Eva’s family. Although in declining health, Eva passed away rather suddenly on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in her 84th year.
Cherished mother of Christine and her husband Brian McGilveary of Hanover. Beloved Grandma of Cooper. Eva will be dearly missed by her siblings Grace Schiestel of Stratford, Joyce (Elmer) Becker of Chesley, and John (Judy) Brodhagen of Lion’s Head as well as family friend Joan Martin of Sauble Beach. She was predeceased by her husband Ron, brother Ken Brodhagen, and parents Wilfred and Marjorie (Rody) Brodhagen.
Visitation will be held at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hanover on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment in Hanover Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Rockwood Terrace, Ontario SPCA, Alzheimer Society, or St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
