Lyn and Russ and families…thinking of all the old times in Swastika….God rest your Mom in peace….Betty
Kaarine Evans It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Kaarine Elizabeth Evans on July 11, 2012 at Teck Pioneer Residence, surrounded by family and friends. Born in 1920 to Jalmar and Elizabeth Salonen in Turku, Finland, Kaarine and her family immigrated to Ontario in 1923. They lived in Sudbury and Timmins, moving to Kirkland Lake in 1929 where they were to spend the rest of their lives. While attending KLCVI, Kaarine excelled at academics and extra-curricular activities, becoming the first female president of the student’s council and valedictorian of her 1938 graduating class. At KLCVI, she met Robert Ernest (Ted) Evans, and they married in 1945. In 1970, Kaarine purchased Algar’s Jewellery, which she ran for many years. During this time, Kaarine also served as the first female director of both the Northern Ontario and Canadian Jewellers Associations. Over the years, Kaarine was a dedicated volunteer and community builder in Kirkland Lake, serving as President of the Kinette Club and Hospital Auxiliary, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Teck Pioneer Resident’s Council, Director of the Kirkland Lake Hospital Foundation and Chair of the Kirkland Lake BIA. She also volunteered with the Ontario Hospital Auxiliary Association, KLCVI Reunion Committee, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Women’s Association. Kaarine was one of the founding volunteers of the annual Santa Claus Express and continued to serve as treasurer and charter member to the present. A generation of Kirkland Lake children knew Kaarine as Mrs. Santa Claus, a role she played with great joy for 17 years. She was well-known for the many awards she has received in appreciation of her service to Kirkland Lake business, social and cultural life, including the CJKL Lifetime Achievement Award and an award for Outstanding Community Service from the Town of Kirkland Lake. Kaarine was an avid gardener and an active member of the Kirkland Lake Horticultural Society since the early 70s. Many also remember Kaarine as a great cook, hostess and enthusiastic convener of social events. Kaarine was predeceased by her husband Ted and her siblings Sylvie and Paul. Kaarine will be dearly missed by her daughter, Carolyn (Joseph) Lenardon, son Russell (Judith) Evans; grandchildren Christina (Kevin) Noble, Peter Lenardon, Jonathan (Chantal Côté) Evans, and Christopher (Jennifer) Evans; and great-grandchildren Alexander, Gabriella, Adrianna and Joshua. Funeral services will be held at the French Family Funeral Home on Saturday, July 14 at 10 am, with internment to follow at the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. Donations in Kaarine’s memory may be made to the Teck Pioneer Residence, 145 Government Rd E, Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Offer Condolence for the family of Kaarine Evans