Eva Rae (nee Dorken), 92 years old, passed away on October 18, 2017 at Chester Village LTC in Toronto. She was predeceased by her mother, Bessie, father, Fred, brothers Dick and Freddie, and her husband, George Rae. She leaves behind her daughter, Angela (Brett Christen), granddaughter, Annika, and cousin, Norah Forrest. She also leaves behind her special nephew, Doug, and his family, along with other nieces and nephews in Canada and Scotland. Her close in-laws, the Christen and Vescio families, also mourn her passing.

Eva grew up in Galt, Ontario and worked as an executive assistant at Canadian Brass before moving to Port Burwell, Ontario to run a snack and variety store with her parents. It was there that she met and married George. They lived near Froggetts Corners for many years before eventually moving to Tillsonburg. Over the years, Eva had great fun and made lifelong friends working part-time at Eaton’s order office and then at Zacks outlet store.

Eva was an active member of the First Baptist Church Choir, the Senior Centre Singers, the Horticultural Society, and had roles in some of the first plays presented at the Otter Valley Playhouse. At the time of her death, she had reached her 70th year anniversary as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Throughout her life, Eva was a sought-after vocal soloist and a talented painter. Many of the things she loved to do – dancing, driving, shopping, going to plays, taking bus trips and providing hospitality to visitors - were gradually lost to her in her final years due to declining health. When she moved into long-term care, she again had the opportunity to participate in many activities, but what she most enjoyed was sitting in the sunlight in Chester Village’s lovely garden, petting the resident cats and visitors’ dogs, and having beer and Cheetos on pub nights.

Many thanks to staff at the Tillsonburg District MemorialHospital, Southwest CCAC and Chester Village for the help given to Eva and our family over the past few years. Nurse Greg Beard deserves special commendation for his dedication and competence. And for the Charlotte Ave neighbours and special friends Louise and Dale Palmer and Betty and Bill Booth, there are no words that can convey our thanks for your love and support of Eva during the years she lived alone after George’s death.

As Eva wished, cremation has taken place. She asked that there be no funeral or visitation. If you wish to remember Eva with a donation, please consider a donation to Covenant House, Eva’s favourite charity. Donations can be made by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) who have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Personal condolences can be made at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com