Obituary of Eddy McCrae

McCRAE: Eddy Roslyn (Bevan) McCrae April 11, 1919-May 22, 2019 Eddy Roslyn McCrae passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Brandon, Manitoba, with her beloved daughter, Linda, by her side. Born in Proctorville, Ohio, Eddy (also known over the years as Roslyn, Rose, Gramma Rose) was the sixth of the seven children of Charles Edward Bevan and Lillie (Higgins) Bevan. She was predeceased by her parents and all her siblings - Collus, Beatrice, Clark, Blanche, Ruth and Etheleen - and by her children Karen, Terry and Clark. Surviving are her children James (Darlene), Linda (Reg) Tame and Mike and his partner Colleen. There are 21 grandchildren, many more great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws (Becky, Hanna, Kayleen) and many other extended family members. Eddy was born a few months after the end of the First World War. Her family migrated to Canada in 1925 when she was six years old, establishing a homestead near Peace River, Alberta. A product of the Great Depression and achieving a grade eight education, she married Howard McCrae of Westlock, Alberta in 1938. Their children Karen and Terry were born prior to Howard's service in the Second World War. Howard was away in Europe for an extended period, leaving Rose, as she then was, to keep the home fires burning. Howard returned from the conflict and, with the birth of son Clark in 1946, the couple continued raising their family, adding three more children: James, Linda and Mike. Rose and Howard parted in the mid-sixties. What followed for Rose was quite remarkable. With little formal education or work experience outside the home, Rose built a significant real estate business which enabled her to support herself and to be generous with her children, all the while living a humble, frugal lifestyle. She provided a home for a number of women living with disabilities, and numerous pets. In her later years Rose became known to many as Eddy. She lived those years peacefully, frequently enjoying laughter and wearing a smile. Eddy devoted her life to her family and her faith. Steadfast through many trials and difficulties, she was yet able to live a long and productive life. Eddy McCrae was an extraordinarily beautiful person. Many thanks for the kindness and care extended by the staff at Valleyview Care Centre in Brandon. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Charitable gifts in honour of Eddy may be sent to Funds for Furry Friends, 740 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 0K9.