Eva Marie DeCoste
December 30, 1934 - October 9, 2017
Eva Marie DeCoste (nee Besse) died peacefully on October 9, 2017 from ill health at her Chilliwack home with family by her side.
Born in Winnipeg MB on Dec. 30, 1934, she was the only child of Maria (Penner) and Arthur Besse. Eva attended school in Yellowknife and later Chilliwack where she graduated. She worked at Cultus Lake and after graduation in Merritt and later at CFB Chilliwack.
Eva married Ralph DeCoste on Oct. 4, 1954 in Chilliwack and they had 5 children. During Ralph's 35 year career in the military the family was posted to Halifax, Whitehorse, Gagetown and 3 times to Chilliwack where they eventually settled after Ralph retired.
Mom was a wonderful loving mother and dear friend to many. A wonderful singer, Eva was a member of many church choirs and community choral groups. As an artist she created many beautiful paintings. She loved designing clothes and sewed many beautiful outfits over the years. She also knit and crocheted dozens of gifts.
Ralph and Eva enjoyed many trips around the world and across Canada where they loved spending time with friends and relatives.
Eva enjoyed military life and was active at the Sergeants and Officers Mess functions, the Wives' Clubs and volunteering at the Camp Library. She was a stalwart supporter during Ralph's time in the Royal Canadian Military Engineers and later at his job as coroner in BC. Eva also supported Ralph in his Korean Veterans Association and they formed many special friendships there. Eva valued her family and the dozens of friends made during Ralph's years in the military.
Eva is predeceased by her parents and her daughter Liz DeCoste.
She is survived by her loving husband Ralph DeCoste and sons Vince (Teri), Larry (Eileen), Steve (Myriam) and daughter Lorraine (Larry) Depow along with 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday Oct. 29, 2017 at 2 pm at the Colonel St. John Armoury (formerly the ASU) on 5535 Korea Road in Chilliwack, with long-time friend Father Fred Tassinari officiating.
All are cordially invited to attend. Flowers are gratefully declined but donations in Eva's memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A reception will follow the memorial service.