Tribute

Evelyn Freida Davenport, nee Gilliss, took great pride in her pioneer New Brunswick roots. Born
Sept. 15, 1940 to William and Freida Gilliss in Chatham, NB, Evelyn was the 13th of 15 children,
growing up in all the warmth and bustle of a typical Maritimes farm. She attended a one-room
schoolhouse through grade 8 and at age 16 moved to Vancouver to live with an older sister,
completing high school at Lord Byng. In 1959 Evelyn met and married her life partner Jeremy
(Jerry), a young army officer. Their life during the next 20 plus years took them all across the
country as well as overseas; postings included Ontario, Germany, Manitoba, Ottawa, New
Brunswick and eventually back to BC. Along the way Evelyn brought three lovely children into
the world; son Keith and daughters Gillian and Linda. The nature of Jerry’s job frequently took
him away from home for long periods and it was Evelyn who was the glue that held the family
together and kept a warm and comforting home. She was a sociable and active person,
participating over the years in curling, golf, river rafting, RVing, gardening and of course just
enjoying the company of friends and neighbors. Annual trips to Mexico and Reno were favorite
events. After moving to Abbotsford in 1988 she served her community as a 32 year hospital
volunteer and member of the Hospital Auxiliary.
Along with her husband of 64 years Evelyn is survived by son Keith, daughters Gillian and Linda,
grandchildren Meghan, Andrew, Anna, Rachel and Heidi; great grandchildren Hailey, Brenna,
Mason, Tenleigh and Callen. She also leaves behind in NB sisters Christina and Pauline, and
brother Carl.