It is with profound sadness, but deep gratitude for a life exceptionally well lived, that we announce the passing of Evelyn Marie McGilvery (Bourassa) on June 11, 2026, in Invermere, British Columbia at 93 years. She passed peacefully after a courageous fight, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Born on April 12, 1933, at the family farm near Hafford, Saskatchewan, Evelyn entered the world with the help of her Michif/Métis grandmother. She was the daughter of Joseph and Alvina (Boyer) Bourassa and was raised alongside her older siblings Wilfred, Irene, and Edmond. Growing up on the land shaped the woman she would become—resilient, resourceful, adventurous, and fiercely independent. She rode horseback to school carrying a .22 rifle, learned the value of hard work from an early age, and developed the strength and determination that would define her life.

Evelyn lived openly as a proud Michif/Métis woman whose heritage was woven into her identity and values. She carried forward the traditions of family, community, perseverance, and generosity that guided her throughout her life. She challenged norms, spoke her mind, welcomed people from all walks of life, and believed deeply in treating others with dignity and respect.

Her nursing career began at Meadow Lake Union Hospital through on-the-job training at the age of 16. She later moved to Trail, BC to help care for her niece Linda before continuing her nursing education in Nakusp for 3 years. It was there that she met James “Streak” McGilvery, a cool guy on an Indian motorcycle and he became the love of her life. They married in 1953 and eventually made their home in Invermere in 1954, where together they built a life filled with family, friendship, service, laughter, and adventure.

After working for BC Tel, Evelyn began a nearly 32-year nursing career starting at Lady Bruce Memorial Hospital (Pynelogs), then Invermere District Hospital retiring as an LPN/Operating Room Tech without a day in post secondary. Nursing was more than a profession; it was a calling. Her compassion, skill, and dedication touched countless lives throughout the Columbia Valley. Whether caring for patients, supporting colleagues, or comforting families, Evelyn’s impact reached far beyond the walls of the hospital. As the first Indigenous nurse here, she was often requested by the local First Nations to have her by their side. Evelyn attended Day school as a child after her mother died at the age of 8 ½. She had a deep connection and respect for the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people and remained good friends with so many for the rest of her life. After retiring Ev worked for Patsy Nicholas of Akisqnuk First Nation as a home support worker with the Elders and loved every minute of it.

Evelyn and Streak welcomed three children: Debra 1956, James 1958, and Roxane 1963. Their home on West Side Road became a place where everyone belonged. Family—both born and acquired—was at the center of everything she did. Through the years she also welcomed bonus daughters Ruth and Verna Barnes into her family, loving them as her own. Becoming a grandparent “Nanny” was a highlight of her life. She adored each and everyone of them, born or bonus. Right up to the end seeing, facetiming and getting caught up on their latest adventures filled her heart with pride. She was the best of the best as a grandparent.

An adventurer at heart, Evelyn embraced life fully. She hiked many incredible places including the West Coast Trail at 60, camped whenever she could, skied well into her later years, hunted to help provide food for the family table, and remained active throughout her life. Never one to accept limitations, she learned to swim at age 45 and promptly joined the swim club and soon could swim 30 laps. She played ladies fastball, competed at the Canadian Senior Games, volunteered at the Invermere Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store, for the Red Cross and maintained a reputation for being fiercely competitive. She was often known to arrive early for a garage sale if she thought there might be treasures waiting.

She loved sports and was instrumental in bringing Judo to Invermere with Herman Mauthner. Streak and Ev were incredible dancers, loved playing practical jokes, her costumes all hand made where always a hit and most often they were the life of the party. They traveled to Hawaii, drove the Oregon Coast to Baya, Mexico, Yukon and to Tuktoyaktuk with their 5th Wheel. Ev loved animals, especially her dogs, gathering people together and just liked having fun. She was a remarkable cook who fed countless family members, friends, neighbours, and unexpected guests over the years. While many meals became legendary, her family lovingly remembers that pancakes or baking powder biscuits were not among her culinary strengths.

To her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the community, she was simply “Nanny.” She was the heart of the family and its true matriarch. She gave generations a love of the outdoors, adventure, resilience, laughter, and community. She was present for life’s milestones both large and small, births, graduations, sport events, weddings, celebrations, challenges, and heartbreaks. Her support was unwavering, her love unconditional, and her door always open.

Evelyn believed in helping people become who they were meant to be. She gave opportunities, encouragement, guidance, and sometimes a firm push when it was needed. She gave far more than she ever took. Those fortunate enough to know her experienced her generosity, humility, strength, and fierce loyalty firsthand.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Debra (Ken) Fisher, James “Jimmy” McGilvery, and Roxane (Galt) Baalim; chosen daughters Ruth (Jerome) Thorne and Verna (Donna) Jones; grandchildren Shawna (Andrew) Weaver, Monica (Glenn) Fisher, Scott Fisher (Cienna), and Emma Baalim; great-grandchildren Hayden Weaver and Ainsley Fisher; bonus great-grandchildren Brook-Lynn, Delijiah, Kahleah, Madiah, Ford, and Heath; as well as extended family members from the Boyer, Bourassa, Dumas, Jones, Thorne, and McGilvery families.

She also leaves behind her beloved nieces Norma, Linda, Marlene, Yvonne, and Bev; nephews Bill, Ross, David, Richard, Randy, Clyde, and Harvey; and many cherished friends whose lives were forever enriched by her presence.

Evelyn was predeceased by her beloved husband James “Streak” McGilvery; her parents Joseph and Alvina Bourassa; her siblings Wilfred, Irene, and Edmond Bourassa; her nephew Brian Dumas; and her nieces Jean Flammond and Linda Wiltermuth. She was also predeceased by many dear friends and family members who went before her.

The outpouring of love shown during her final days was a testament to the remarkable life she lived. She was deeply respected throughout her community and loved by generations of family and friends. Though there is now a tremendous hole in our hearts, that space is filled with the gifts she leaves behind—love, laughter, courage, generosity, family, friendship, and a profound connection to the land and community she cherished.

We take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her Maman, Papa, Streak, her beloved hiking companions, faithful dogs, and all those who went before her. We can only imagine the adventures they are already sharing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Invermere Legion Branch 71. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ICAN in her honour. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, laughter, and memories of a woman whose life touched so many.

In honour of Evelyn, raise a glass of rum and Coke—no ice—or roast a hot dog, tell a good story, spend time with family, get outdoors, lend a hand to someone in need, or play a practical joke on a friend. She would have approved.

Until we meet again, Ev, Mom, Nanny, Miss McGil.

Your love, strength, and spirit will continue to guide us on every mountain trail, every ski run, every campfire, and every family gathering. Your legacy lives on in all of us.

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