Evelyn Jahraus

September 20, 1922 ~ January 1, 2023

It is with extreme sorrow we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Evelyn May Jahraus (nee Wharton) on New Year’s Day, 2023. Although she will be missed beyond words, we are grateful for her long and healthy life, having celebrated her 100th birthday this past September. She was very pleased to have received greetings from Queen Elizabeth to mark the occasion. Evelyn was born and spent her childhood in Vanguard, SK, the only child of Martin and Elizabeth Wharton. After attending high school in Regina, SK., she moved with her parents to Medicine Hat. She trained as a stenographer at Garbutt’s Business College, later working in the offices at Alpha Dairy, Medalta Potteries Ltd., and Hycroft China Ltd. She then took a job in Brooks, AB where she met her husband, Ralph, who she married on Boxing Day, 1953. After raising her children, Evelyn returned to work providing childcare at various daycare centres throughout the city. Her most cherished vocation, however, was “Nanny”. She and Ralph attended as many events as they could to support and cheer on their grand and great-grandkids. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, husband, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as her granddaugher-in-law. She is survived by her children, Arlen, Kerrie (Leroy Vanderheiden), and Leta (Rick Zaleski); her grandchildren, Jamie (Bev), Nick (the late Kyla) Gauthier, Grayden and Ashton Zaleski; step-grandchildren, Daniel and Sara (Jesse Andres) Vanderheiden and her great-grandchildren, Evan, Hallie, Laine, Easton, and Chase Gauthier. Evelyn’s kind heart and positive outlook will also be missed by the residents and staff at Cypressview Lodge where she lived for the last seven years. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who provided care to Evelyn at Cypressview as she was very happy there. Thanks also to Dr. Jonker and staff at HealthWORX Medical Clinic who provided exceptional care to Evelyn for many years. She is now in God’s care. A Private Interment for the family will take place at Hillside Cemetery officiated by Pastor Murray Jaster. A celebration of Evelyn‘s life will be held in the spring. Evelyn was fond of all types of animals, so for those who desire, memorial donations in Evelyn’s name may be made to the Medicine Hat SPCA, https://medhatspca.ca/product/donation-in-memory/ (55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8) or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Patient Financial Assistance Program, https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate/ (710-10123 99 St. NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1) to honour Kyla Gauthier’s memory. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2023-01-01
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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