September 6, 1945 – January 14, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Evelyn Brown, who left us peacefully on January 14, 2025, at her home with the love of her life by her side. Evelyn was truly a remarkable woman, a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandma, a loyal friend, a role model, and a dedicated member of the community that brought warmth, positivity, wisdom, strength and endless energy to making our world a better place.
Born on September 6, 1945, in Sudbury, Ontario, Evelyn grew up sharing many memorable moments with her sister Audrey, as they could often be found picking blueberries in their backyard. While in North Bay completing her teaching certificate, Evelyn met the love of her life, Jim. From that moment, the two of them would embark on a journey full of promise, including further education, a move to Bracebridge, starting a family, engaging in community involvement, and cultivating a large group of friends.
Above all, Evelyn was dedicated to her family. She leaves behind her loving husband Jim of 59 years, her sister Audrey (Paul) Faris, her children Michael Brown and Tricia (Jason) Nikkari and her grandchildren, Davis, Alodie, Matthew, Katie, and Cameron.
While Evelyn’s priority remained with her family, she found time to continue her education, completing her Master’s in Education and embarking on a significant career in education. Evelyn began her career as a teacher, and over the course of over 40 years, her dedication and leadership led to becoming the principal of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. Continuing to make her mark on the Board of Education, she became Superintendent of Education and finished her career as the Director of Education. As Director, she navigated the amalgamation of the Muskoka Board and Victoria County to become Trillium Lakelands School Board. She was known for her unwavering commitment to students, staff, and colleagues.
When Evelyn eventually decided to step away from education, she quickly turned her attention to making her community a better place. Her vision for a better future, willingness to push boundaries and ability to engage with people, found her at leadership tables across the region, including the Provincial Liberal Party, the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition, the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Board, fundraising for the Rene Caisse Theatre, the establishment of 211, Correctional Services (Beaver Creek and Fenbrook), and most recently the Patient and Family Advisory Council and the Bracebridge Public Library.
The warmth, wisdom and energy Evelyn brought to our world will always be cherished and the positive impact she had on so many lives will continue to shine for many years ahead.
Please consider a donation to Hospice Muskoka in Evelyn's memory.
Friends are invited to visit the family for a visitation on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home: 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge, ON. The Memorial Service for Evelyn Brown will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at Bracebridge United Church: 46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, ON with a visitation an hour before the service.