July 8, 1928 - August 13, 2024
Evellyn Irene Mammel, beloved wife, mother, Nana, Super G, aunt, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Evellyn is survived by her two daughters Lark (Gary) Young and Judy (Chris) Scott and two sons, Brian (Carol) and Brad and daughter in law Lisa, 12 grandchildren; Joel (Sara), Brodie (Jen), Tara (Corey), Brian (Rhiana) Kaela, (Matt), Darcy (Dan), Leah, Mitchell, Tristan (Makayla), Kennedy, Lillian and Brady.
Nana was proud of her 15 great grandchildren: Adelaide, Liam, Ella, Vivienne, Lark, Scotia, Lucas, Jack, Cairo, Hayden, Alivia, Becket, Austin, Freya and Riley. She was also survived by sisters-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Evellyn Irene was born to Patrick and Irene Hayes in Big Valley, Alberta, July 8, 1928. The family, including her two brothers, Donald and Harold, moved to Chilliwack in 1943.
Evellyn married Otto Mammel on November 22, 1948, and bought their first house on S. Sumas Road. The couple spent most of their life together in their home bought in 1952 on Thomas Road in Vedder Crossing. Evellyn had a pioneering instinct. She was a hard worker raising four children while managing the Ottevella Auto Court, Julian Apartments and several other commercial buildings they built in Vedder Crossing.
She was active in the community as a member of the Vedder Crossing Rate Payers Association and The Promontory Women's Institute. She also volunteered at the B.C. Crisis Line and as a respite worker for children with physical disabilities.
Some of her favorite times were spent at Cultus Lake enjoying summer picnics and water skiing with family and friends. She loved planting a huge garden and picked fruit from their small orchard in their backyard. She canned everything from cherries, pears, apricots and raspberries. Her canned peaches were well known for extra "sweetness" in the syrup.
Her freezer was full of cartons of fresh garden vegetables. She enjoyed baking and was famous for her fruit pies. Her kids loved her cookies, and her canned pickles served at every meal. While working in her kitchen, she loved to play her L.P. records. You never knew if you would hear Tennessee Ernie Ford, Mario Lanza or Tom Jones. Her artistic flare extended to designing and sewing many dresses and clothing items for her children including her daughters' wedding dresses.
Mom's love of collecting antiques would take her throughout the lower mainland allowing her to expand her significant pieces of beautiful furniture and unique glassware displayed throughout their home.
Our mother was able to balance hard work in many different areas and always made time to enjoy her life and her family. Her energy was endless. As a hockey family, she and Otto hosted several Pee-Wee hockey players who participated in the Annual Chilliwack Pee-Wee jamboree. "Hockey Versus Antiques" was our joke that ran within the family.
Evellyn was a gracious host for all her extended family and friends. There was always someone coming to the house for "supper" as well as the evening snack. Everyone was welcome. Fun-filled Christmas dinners were famous for her pies, Chelsea-buns, whipped cream Waldorf salad and her beautifully set table with Christmas décor and exquisite china and crystal.
Evellyn and Otto moved to Edenbank, Sardis for their retirement years. They enjoyed several cruises to various destinations and travelling south to California and Arizona in their motorhome.
"Nana" was loved dearly by her family. Each grandchild has special memories of spending time with their nana and papa. Nana was always interested, supportive and encouraging to each of them. She will be remembered for her generosity, love for her family, quick wit and humor. She will always be our loving Nana and forever cherished.
So dear Nana, go in peace, you have more than earned your sleep. The Family is planning a private Memorial Service.
The family would like to thank the Lynnwood Retirement Home for their support and kindness in the 10 years Evellyn was a resident. We are especially grateful for Susie, her caregiver and friend, for being such a positive and impactful light in mom's life.