Eva Catherine Miller
We are sad to announce that Eva Catherine Miller (nee Mair), formerly of Oakville, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the age of 90.
Eva was born in Swan River to John and Emily Mair. The young family suffered a tragic fire when Eva was two, resulting in Emily’s untimely death and Eva being seriously hurt. She was taken in by her aunt and uncle, Charles and Lily Spencer, to be raised as their own, side by side with Don, Charlie and Mary. Eva had a happy childhood in Rathwell and built especially strong relationships with her classmates that lasted throughout her life.
A teacher at heart, Eva graduated from Normal School and sought opportunities to practice her profession in various communities like Dryden and Flin Flon, gathering more friends along the way. When not teaching, Eva loved to travel. She visited Europe on her own in the 1950s.
She eventually followed her sister, Mary Bogue, to Oakville and accepted a teaching position in the area. She met Bob Miller shortly thereafter. Bob and Eva wed in 1960 and lived on their farm in the Fortier District until Bob’s death in 2012. Together they raised four children - Allison, Bobbie, Darcy, and Meredith.
Eva’s life was dedicated to family, church and community. Members of St. Luke’s Anglican Church will remember her pink marshmallow cake, her specialty when the church group was called upon to cater lunches or teas. She was an excellent piano player and loved to read - the heavy green canvas bags holding books from the provincial lending library were always coming and going from the house. Later in life, when her children were grown she returned to work as an educational assistant. In retirement, Eva resumed her love of travel when she and Bob took several winter road trips to warmer climates with friends.
Left to celebrate Eva’s life and remember her gifts are her daughters Allison Bourne, Bobbie Robertson and Meredith Delichte (Henry) and daughter-in-law Andrea Miller; grandchildren Morgan and Jessica Bourne, Rachel and Colleen Robertson, Graham, Carter, Ian and Marae Miller and Trent and Laura Delichte. Eva was predeceased by her husband Bob, son Darcy, and sons-in-law Dave Bourne and Glen Robertson.
Eva also leaves friends and extended family, including nieces, nephews, siblings from her father’s second marriage, and her dear sister-in-law, Joan Spencer, to remember her kindhearted ways.
Many thanks to the Douglas Campbell Lodge and Portage District General Hospital staff for their care and patience. Special thanks to her longtime friends, Norma and Muriel for brightening mom’s days right up until her passing.
A private family service is planned for a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Box 255, Oakville, MB R0H 0Y0, or to Cancer Care Manitoba 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.