Evelyn Bernice Dawes was born November 10, 1923 in Brant County to Frank and Sarah Ann (Mason) Dawes. She was one of nine children and the third last surviving sibling; Charles, Don, Fred, Glen, Roy, Mary, Norma and Stella.
At the tender age of forty, in the early 1960’s, Evelyn and William “Lloyd” Pepper were married. Wishing to enlarge their family, Robert and Richard were chosen to join the couple. It was 1964 and Robert was a year old and little Richard was six weeks old.
Evelyn was a teacher by training and when the boys came along she decided to stay at home with them. Once they starting attending their own school, Evelyn went back to paid work. She taught at many schools over the years, but finished up with postings in Scone and finally Paisley. At the age of 50, Evelyn and Lloyd started to travel. It quickly became a passion, visiting places such as Hawaii, China, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. In other words, they travelled around the world!
Aside from travelling, Evelyn had many other interests. Following retirement and for the next twelve years, Lloyd and Evelyn spent the most part of May to October at their cottage in Sauble Beach, a place that Evelyn absolutely loved. Other than cottage season, Evelyn’s favourite seasons were the cooler, more enjoyable ones of spring and fall. Bird watching and gardening were further activities that Evelyn enjoyed. Simply being outside made Evelyn happy. She loved reading National Geographic and gory novels – the gorrier the better, and of course watched the “Young and the Restless” on a daily basis.
Evelyn and Lloyd sold their farm on the 2nd of Elderslie and moved into the town of Chesley in 1992. They were the first in the area to sell their farm to Old Order Mennonites, thus establishing a trend.
Evelyn was a very private person and really disliked having her picture taken. In fact, there are instances were she cut herself out of photos! At the same time, she was also outspoken. If she had an opinion she would let you know!
She very much enjoyed Chinese food and her favourite restaurant was the Atlantic in Port Elgin. Her family teased that this was likely because she could eat whatever, and as much as she wanted.
Evelyn Bernice Pepper of Chesley, passed away at Elgin Abbey, Chesley on Thursday, June 9, 2016 in her 93rd year.
Loving wife of the late Lloyd Pepper (2009). Cherished mother of Robert of Vancouver and Richard and his wife Edith of Chesley. Evelyn will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Benjamin and Allison. Also sadly missed by Ronald Seney (Betty), Joyce Ferris, Gary Seney (Debbie), Sandy Seney (Beth), Trudy Hill (David), Rosalie Jacques (Chris), Sharon Slater and John Seney (Evelyn) as well as 17 additional grandchildren. Evelyn will be remembered by her brother Glen Dawes of Paris and sister Norma Tryon of Brantford. She was predeceased by her brothers Fred, Roy, Charles, Don and sisters Mary and Stella.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Evelyn’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 1 p.m. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.
Memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
