The people of Winnipeg gathered at Windsor Park on Saturday to pay their respects to the late Evelyne Reese, a former city council member.
Reese died last week at 91. She served as a council member for five terms, first winning in 1974 and representing various areas in St. Boniface before retiring 22 years later.
During her career, she also ran for provincial office twice.
Relatives and friends who attended the memorial described her as intelligent, passionate, and selfless.
Her friend Roz Krahn said, “She didn't do it for money or fame, she did it for the benefit of her fellow citizens, especially those in St. Boniface Windsor Park.”
Krahn mentioned that Reese lived a long, fulfilling, and joyful life. “I can't be sad because when you get old, you suffer. Evelyn was suffering. And I'm glad her suffering has ended and she is at peace.”
Her son, Barry, expressed similar feelings about his mother. “We are sad, of course, but she lived a full life. She was 91, and she valued her life until the end.”
He also expressed his admiration for his mother because she showed great passion and bravery and always accomplished what she set out to do.
“She was a powerful presence and one of the initial female city councilors for Saint Boniface,” he said. “It wasn't just politics. It was her life. Her family, career as a teacher, ownership of a restaurant, enjoying her life, traveling, and more. Especially in her later years, she was not only an inspiration to me but to many, many others.”
