Evelyn Mae Hutton (Margree) was born June 2, 1933 to her parents Charles and May (Wright) Margree at home in Chesley. She was the second of three children – older brother Maurice and a younger sister Marie. Evelyn’s father was born in England, thus immigrating, and her mother was born in Brant Township.
Upon finishing high school, she worked for many years with the local store – Selrite (Stedmans). She was well known to be able to find anything the customer was looking for in the store.
In 1964 she married Bud Hutton and they remained in Chesley. Upon the death of her mother in 1968, Evelyn and Bud built an addition onto the family home where she became more involved with her father in the care of her special needs sister, Marie.
1980 was a very difficult year with the death of her father followed two weeks later with the death of Bud. Evelyn and Marie continued to live at the house with a new member – their rescue dog Sandy who accompanied them everywhere.
In 1987 Evelyn met Doug Beelby while working as a nurse’s aide for Red Cross and a strong friendship developed – each providing something the other needed. A couple of years later, Doug moved into the adjoining apartment after the death of her sister Marie in 1988.
Doug and Evelyn became a team together enjoying life, travelling together, spending time with each other‘s families and participating in the community. Evelyn was well known for knitting for the hospital gift shop and taking in orders for hand-knit socks, baby sets, afghans and custom logo sweaters for curlers and Legion members. One cute story is told of one particular gentleman who ordered eight pairs of knitted socks every Christmas.
Evelyn was heavily involved with the Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary – Ontario Command, Branch 144. She loved to play euchre and darts at the Legion and even travelled to play in dart tournaments. Apparently, she was a very good player. Evelyn’s faith was also very important to her. She frequently read her Bible and was deeply involved in the life and community of Geneva Presbyterian. She sang in the church choir, worked with the women’s group and seldom, if never, missed a worship service.
In her free time, which could not have been much, Evelyn did paper tole (creating 3D pictures) with Kay Vancise and also did a bit of crocheting. She also enjoyed watching TV with her favourite programs being “Price is Right,” “Jeopardy,” and church services when she was unable to get to her own. Evelyn loved her flowers, especially pansies and really, really loved Chinese Food, and her favourite colour was red. Music played another important role in her life. She loved most types of music, most especially fiddle and gospel music. The radio was always playing – CKNX – and she listened to the Bill Murdoch show and, of course, the obituaries.
If only one word could be used to describe Evelyn, it would have to be “caregiver.” She was forever looking for someone to look after. She was a very kind and well -rounded person. She has been missed in the community and will continue to be missed by family and friends.
In 2012 due to the devastating effect of alzheimer’s disease, Evelyn moved into Parkview Manor where she was well cared for, not only professionally but also on a very personal level from the caring staff.
Sadly, Evelyn passed away at Parkview Manor on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 in her 84th year. Evelyn is survived by Doug, nieces Wendy and Linda and nephew Bob and by great nieces Jen and Kate and great nephew Steven.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 noon. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Parkview Manor Residents Council would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
