November 27th, 1924 – January 26th, 2026
It is with great love and admiration for a life well lived that the family announces the passing of Evelyn Walker on January 26, 2026, at the magnificent age of 101. Evelyn May Pinches was born on November 27, 1924, at Lady House Farm in Shropshire England, the third of three children of Ethel May Beddoes and Percy John Pinches. When she was fifteen, the family moved to Castle Farm in Moreton Corbet, Shropshire where her father and brothers John Henry and Ernest Phillip farmed for many years. In 1943 Evelyn met a dashing Canadian pilot who was stationed in Shawbury at the RAF Flying Training School. Evelyn married Johnnie Walker on August 1, 1945, and they lived in various locations in England before Johnnie returned to Canada in the fall of 1946 to attend University in Fredericton where he studied to become a Forestry Engineer. Evelyn followed six months later, at the young age of 22, with their infant son Nicholas. They travelled on one of the last voyages of the Aquitania and arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax with other war brides on St. Patrick’s Day in 1947.
Evelyn and Johnnie lived in Gaspe and Val d’Or before settling in St Stephen New Brunswick in 1967. She committed to her new country with her classic good nature and steely resolve and developed a large network of friends while volunteering for a host of Organizations including an abiding relationship with Christ Anglican Church. She sang in the choir, was a member of the Anglican Church Women and made literally thousands of sandwiches and squares for the many fundraising initiatives. Evelyn was a longstanding member of the Atlantic Chapter of the IODE, the St Croix Quilters Club and the Charlotte County Hospital Auxiliary while also working at the Sears Catalogue office for many years. She and Johnnie raised five children while contributing to their community and maintaining close relationships with the Pinches family in England and the extended Walker family still rooted in Sussex New Brunswick.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Johnnie in 1992 and her son Nicholas (Arlene Yakeley) in 2023. She is survived by her four children: Sandra (David Fox), Donna Arsenault (Ellery), Barry (Cheryl Vesso), Blair (Cathy) and former daughter-in-law Norma Jean Walker. She leaves a legacy of nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The family is grateful for her love, generosity and shining example of resilience and adaptability. They would also like to recognize the many Health Care Professionals who contributed to her independence and quality of life. Finally, a huge debt of gratitude is owed to Donna and Ellery and family for providing a loving and caring home after Evelyn left her treasured life in St. Stephen. For those who would like to donate in her memory, it is her wish that your kindness be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or the Salvation Army who welcomed her to Canada at Pier 21 so many years ago.
A Celebration of her exceptional life will be planned for a later date.
