Dale Ann Evanishen (Seib) was born in Elrose, Saskatchewan, on September 28, 1947, and bravely departed on February 1, 2024, in West Kelowna, British Columbia.

Dale Ann grew up in rural Saskatchewan during the 1950s. Despite the modest surroundings of dirt landscapes and rustic buildings, she stood out as a beautiful young girl with a bright smile, dressed in carefully pressed clothes.

In the 1960s, she graduated from nursing school in Vancouver and welcomed the arrival of her daughter Natalie in 1969. Her two sons, Sean and Patrick, followed in 1973 and 1975. On the morning of her passing, her last words reaffirmed her tremendous love for her three children.

Her passion was being a nurse, particularly an operating nurse at the Victoria Union Hospital in Prince Albert. Known for her precision, she would have the next instrument ready prior to the surgeon’s request. Her specialty was in orthopedics, and she would often discuss her day’s work at the dinner table or bring home VHS tapes to learn the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery.

Her passion for her work was mirrored in her home life as well. Home was as clean and organized as an operating room. A good day was spent accomplishing what she set out to do.

Relocating to British Columbia in the early 1990s meant her operating room retirement because the province did not permit licensed practical nurses in OR Units. She was able to balance time working in private health care and with her family. She cared for her aging grandmother and enjoyed time with her parents, siblings, children and eventually her three grandchildren, Ty, Nate, and Lily, whom she loved unconditionally.

In 2000, at the age of 53, Dale Ann’s life dramatically changed. A hemorrhagic stroke led to a loss of independence and ultimately living arrangements in supportive care homes. Forever the nurse, she loved making the rounds with Lakeview Lodge’s nursing team, day or night, ensuring their delivery of care matched her high expectations.

Ironically, twenty-two years after her stroke, an infected hip replacement left no other option but a surgical girdlestone procedure to remove her left femoral head and neck of the thigh bone. (She would have loved that we shared the medical details). With only minimal relief from her pain, she found herself confined to her bed, never able to regain the freedom of movement.

Suffering from a deep and profound loss of self, she made the decision to depart this world in a state of happiness and peace. The last task Dale Ann set out to do was done with dignity, wearing a pretty dress, surrounded by immense love.

Dale Ann is survived by her daughter Natalie (and Kelly) Benedet, son Sean Evanishen, son Patrick (and Ashley) Evanishen, grandchildren Ty Walstrom, Nate Evanishen, and Lily Evanishen, as well as her three siblings Gary Seib, Leah Fraser, and Cheryl Coombs, and her extended family who meant so much to her.

Inspired by her lifelong dedication for helping others, the family has established a bursary in her name to support future generations of nursing students. In her memory, please consider giving a gift to the Okanagan Collage’s Practical Nursing Program https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/oc-foundation/donate-to-okanagan-college

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting: https://www.everdenrust.com/obituaries/Dale-Ann-Evanishen?obId=30713947

 

• Date : 2024-02-01
• Location : Kelowna, BC