Obituary of Evelyn Alstad

ALSTAD - Evelyn Ann Mearns (Mackie) Alstad passed away on November 18, 2008 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. She was 85 years of age. She was the daughter of Robert and Jane (McGregor) Mackie. Evelyn was born on November 16, 1923 at Fyvie Aberdeenshire Scotland. She came to Canada, with her parents and older brother Leslie (Scotty), on February 26, 1926 at the tender age of two. The family settled in the Melfort district where she received all of her education and then was employed at the Bank of Commerce. Evelyn was a strong believer in the work of the church from a very early age. On Sundays, she would walk to church with her parents. Later she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and became a member of the Anglican Church Ladies Auxiliary. It was at church she met her future husband, James Arthur (Art) Alstad, who had just moved to Melfort after returning from overseas. On June 1, 1952 they were married at the All Saints Anglican Church in Melfort. They were blessed with three daughters, Heather, Roxanne and Shari. When the children came along, Evelyn became a full-time mother and housewife. The family moved to Yorkton in 1966. Here Evelyn joined the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary which she thoroughly enjoyed. While in the Legion, Evelyn served a term as President and many years as a convenor. In recognition of her over 30 years of service, she was awarded with a Life Time Membership. Evelyn and her husband Art operated a convenience store, "Last Chance", for a few years until they retired in 1983. Evelyn was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had her family's best interest at heart. She was very supportive and encouraging with all of her family members but at the same time she would offer her opinion if she felt it warranted. As a mother, she encouraged her daughters to become members of the Anglican Church Junior Auxiliary and later to become involved in the Royal Canadian Legion. Evelyn was very proud of her Scottish heritage. She left lasting impressions on her family in regards to the clans, tartans and folklore of her birth country. Some of Evelyn's hobbies were playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and of course sewing. She was extremely talented as a seamstress where she made clothing for her daughters, suits for her husband, draperies for her home, and clothing requested from friends who recognized her talent. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, a brother, a sister and a granddaughter, Amy Lianne Ostafie. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband Art, three daughters - Heather (Robert Doroshenko), Roxanne Alstad, and Shari Ostafie; grandchildren - Craig Alstad, Scott and Ryan Doroshenko, Michael, Lianne and Ashley Ostafie; and great-grandson Ayden Ostafie. Cremation took place at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Crematorium, with interment in the Columbarium in the Gardens of Memories with grandson craig Alstad serving as the urnbearer. The funeral service was held on Monday, November 24, 2008 from the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yorkton. Rev. Kim Salo officiated with Susan Salo and Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw assisting. The eulogy was given by Craig Alstad. The organist, Judy Berg led members of the Church Choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'In the Garden' and 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is'. Piper, Ferne Katzberg played 'The Dark Island'. A reception followed at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Cremation and funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, November 24th, 2008 2:00pm Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens