Obituary of Evelyn McKnight

With a great sense of loss we announce the peaceful passing of Evelyn McKnight on February 9th, 2013 in her 98th year at Elgin Lodge, Port Elgin. Beloved wife of the late Mervin George McKnight (1978), to whom she was married for 37 years. Predeceased by an infant son, David Mervin (1942). Dear mother of Evelyn Dianne of Waterloo, James Grant (Barbara Smyth) of Saugeen Shores and Paul George (Wendy Nelson) of Kitchener. Cherished nanny of Julie (Trevor Plumb), Erin (Greg Beselaere), Scott (Sara Spigott) and Ashley (Dan Jackson). Loving "big" nanny to Seth and Caleb Plumb and Avery and Owen Beselaere. Evelyn leaves behind her dear sister, Ruby Pinkney of Trenton and sister-in-law, Marjorie Evans of Tiverton. She was also loved and respected by many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was predeceased by parents, Ernest Harris Grant and Amy Melena Rushton; brother, James Burns Grant; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Reginald Patterson, Bruce Pinkney, Mabel and Ross McIntosh, Beulah and Emerson Bannister and Allan Evans. Evelyn grew up on a farm in Arran Township. She began to study piano at the age of 12. Three years later, Evelyn won the silver medal which was awarded by the Toronto Conservatory of Music to the North American student who had achieved the second highest total mark in the annual examination. Her father recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. However, because of the Great Depression, Evelyn decided to become a teacher. After graduation from Stratford Normal School she began a teaching career at Salem School, north of Alvanley. Evelyn married Mervin in 1940 and together they farmed and raised a family in Keppel Township. For 44 years she was involved in the church and community life of Park Head. From 1984 until 2005 she enjoyed living in Owen Sound. Elgin Lodge was her comfortable home from 2005 until 2013. Music played an important part in Evelyn's life. Her love of this art form continues to be treasured by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom, we thank you for your unconditional love and encouragement. Your kind heart, gentle spirit and quiet strength will be deeply missed, but forever remembered. Evelyn often expressed her appreciation for the kindness and special care provided by the staff at Elgin Lodge. Her family would also like to thank the many medical professionals who helped with her care along the way. As per Evelyn's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Tribute Service to honour Evelyn's Life will be conducted from the Southampton United Church Saturday April 13, 2013. Visitation 1:00 pm, service 2:00 pm with reception to follow . Expressions of remembrance to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Messages of condolence for the family are welcome at www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com. A tree will be planted in the Memorial Forest of the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation in memory of Evelyn by the DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME Hepworth. 519-935-2754