Obituary of Evelyn Mary Putnam
Evelyn Mary Putnam (born Eveline Maria Notschaele) was born on February 5, 1929, in a small farmhouse outside of Staples, Ontario, to Louisa (Louise) (nee Laffeber) and Frank (Franciscus) Notschaele. She was always proud to announce that it was her father, Frank, that helped deliver her into this world. Evelyn passed away peacefully Monday morning, May 6th in London, Ontario. She leaves behind her little sister, Shirley (Gormely) of Wallaceburg, Ontario. Evelyn's parents emigrated from Westdorpe, Holland in 1925 with Evelyn's older sister, Josie (Sue). Evelyn spent much of her life in Southwestern Ontario, settling in Chatham, Ontario to marry Leonard Putnam, raise a large brood of eight children, and work as a medical secretary at the Chatham Health Unit. In her early fifties, Evelyn moved to London, Ontario to take a position at The University of Western Ontario. Work in the oral pathology department brought Evelyn closest to her lifelong dream of being a doctor. After a brief return to Chatham, Evelyn opened her bed and breakfast, New Moon Farm in Malpeque, PEI. She eventually moved into Charlottetown and then relocated back to London, Ontario late last year. Evelyn will remain forever in the hearts and great memories of her eight children: Kathleen Putnam, Sean (predeceased), Colleen, Evelyn (Mike Lafortune), Eileen (Chester Kuratczyk), Leslie (David Bobier), Matthew (Anna Karpinski), and Stephanie Mason (Rob). She was very proud of her grandchildren Guy (Nicole de Groot) and Marijke McLean; Lauren (Trevor) Power, Crauford Madar, Kedrin (Akeem) Scott and Shalen (Aaron) Prado; Anastasia (Michael) Suja and Apollonia (Stephen) Smyrnios; Stuart (Katie), Madeline (Graham Huni) and Gordon (Kailey Brown) Graham; Adelaide and Miro Kuratczyk; Aislinn, Isobel, Ewan and Nigel Mason and Ella Putnam. Overjoyed by each new addition to her family, Evelyn took genuine delight in her great-grandchildren: Griffin and Beckett Power; Evan, Oliver and Lilah Suja; Aila and Lexi Graham; Nove and the most recent bundle of joy, Wolf Scott. Evelyn, it must be said, just loved a new baby! Mention must also be made of Evelyn's great friend from the Island, Darlene Monaghan. In her final years, Darlene provided Evelyn with a great deal of fun and companionship. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Evelyn's name to Children's Health Foundation. In lieu of donations, the family suggests taking your Mom or a loved one out for a good hot coffee and a decent slice of chocolate cake, go for a drive (if you're on the Island, get to Carr's for a cup of chowder and a lobster roll), have some lemon meringue pie, listen to a little Nat King Cole and leave the dishes for later. Evelyn would want us all to enjoy our lives, our families and friends, and to be thankful for all that we have.
