Evelyn Cullen

Evelyn is survived by son Bob (Diane) Cullen with grandchildren Jaden Hatfield (Chris), Brett Cullen (Whitney Lammi), great grandchildren Nixen and Noah, son Jeff Cullen (Michelle) with grandchildren Josiah and Isabelle, sisters Lorraine Clarke and Leola Baird (Norman). She was predeceased by her husband Jack Cullen and brother Norman Clarke.

Growing up, Evelyn loved to do all the things little girls do, riding her bike, playing with friends and enjoying time with her family. Born in Fort Macleod, she attended school there, working on the Chester family farm in the summers and at Reach’s grocery store throughout the year. She grew up and became wiser, but clearly never lost the spirit of that little girl, always ready with a mischievous one-liner even up to her last days. She married Jack on May 6, 1955, and shortly after embarked on a life of ministry together in the Salvation Army, spending 8 years at appointments in Hazelton, Terrace, Vermilion BC, Grande Prairie and The Pas, MB. They returned to Fort Macleod in 1972 with two young sons in tow. She was usually home caring for Bob and Jeff, and participating in the local Salvation Army Corps. Evelyn worked as a cook at the Fort Macleod Foothills Detox Centre before retiring, after which she and Jack fully enjoyed their cherished children and grandchildren (they were both good at spoiling grandchildren, but Grannie excelled at it). Jack and Evelyn also made some memorable trips together to Vancouver Island and Newfoundland.

One of Ev’s many gifts were cooking, hospitality and friendship, all of which poured from an incredible heart of love and grace. Small in stature and unassuming in personality, once you got to know her you would know someone full of joy yet familiar with suffering, mighty in her prayer life, and an ability to provide encouragement to anyone. Her hands prepared countless meals for friends and family throughout the years, where the coffee, prayers, laughter and encouragement flowed freely around the kitchen table. For Ev, mercy and kindness were a way of life, yet she would not hesitate to defend her friends and family with a gentle ferocity that spoke to the depth of her love and the strength of her character, always standing firm for those she cherished.

Evelyn - wife, mother, sister, Grannie, friend. Your journey is complete. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Inexpressible thanks to the staff of the Fort Macleod Pioneer Lodge, St. Therese Villa and Unit 3B of Chinook General Hospital where she spent her last hours with a consistent stream of dear friends and family.

An In-person Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the LETHBRIDGE SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1302 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB. The Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Evelyn’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Evelyn’s memory to the Lethbridge Salvation Army Community Church or the Fort Macleod Handibus Society.