Joanne Grey Evans

(nee Neilson)

passed away on November 11th, 2014 in the Polson Multi-level Unit of the Vernon Jubilee Hosptial at the age of 99 years. She was born on March 3rd, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the eldest of seven children born to Scottish parents, Andrew and Mary Neilson. Joanne had a beautiful singing voice and appeared in many operettas and other musical performances in Winnipeg. After moving to Vernon in 1940, she was a popular wedding soloist, sang in the Trinity United Church choir, and eventually had a weekly radio program on CJIB featuring Scottish music. In 1952 she joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah and her life was devoted to being a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In later life, she sang with the Vernon Senior Citizens Choir and other community choirs.

Joanne always took great pride in her Scottish heritage and was active in the Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association. After retiring from Vernon Jubilee Hospital in 1980, she fulfilled her dream of living in Dundee, Scotland for two years.

Family were very important to Joanne. She is survived by her only son, Donald (Linda) Evans of Castlegar, B.C.; two granddaughters, Lindsay J. Evans of Mesa, Arizona and Selby Evans of New Orleans, Louisiana; one sister, Grace Gaythorpe of Princeton, B.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1506-35th Street, on Thursday, November 20th, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. with Bishop Alex Whibley presiding.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Joanne to the Seva Canada Society, (www.seva.ca), #100-2000-West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2G2. This is an organization dedicated to preventing blindness and restoring vision to many people.

Funeral arrangements have been made with

BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.,

5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5

250-542-1187