Evelyn May Cresswell

February 20, 1937 - February 5, 2026

In Loving Memory

Evelyn May Cresswell (née Miller), widow of the late Christopher Cresswell, mother to Clare Attwell, Mark, and James Cresswell, Gogo to Erin and her partner Michael Foley, Adam, Megan, Christopher, Michael, Lucy, and Finn, and partner to the late Pieter Scholz, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 5th, 2026, in Victoria, BC, Canada. In her final moments, she was surrounded by family, friends, and new acquaintances, all whose lives she had touched profoundly.

Evelyn's life is a testament to tenacity, kindness and generosity. The outpouring of well-wishes from local residents and staff in her final days reflected her remarkable ability to connect with others, a gift she embodied to the end. She never stopped delighting in the beauty and possibilities that life offered, inspiring those around her with her indomitable spirit.

Professionally, Evelyn was a teacher, poet, speechwriter, strategist, and an extraordinary weaver. Though she kept a low profile, her home was often a gathering place for influential individuals during a pivotal time in history—when the fight against apartheid was underway and the vision for a new South Africa was being forged. Though many remained unaware of her significant contributions, she took pride in allowing others to shine, skillfully weaving her influence behind the scenes. Letters and reflections from friends and leaders over the decades provide glimpses into the invaluable wisdom and insight she shared, yet they can hardly capture the fullness of her extraordinary life.

Evelyn lived her life fully engaged. She noticed what many missed, and then did something about it! Obstacles were mere challenges that she almost always found workarounds for. But most of all, she was kind, generous and wise - she endeared herself to others no matter where she went, leaving behind a legacy that will not easily be forgotten! Hamba Kahle Gogo

A Celebration of Life will be held at Broad View United Church, 3703 St. Aidans Street, Victoria, B.C. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PST. There will be a reception in The Commons to follow.

For those who are unable to attend and wish to attend virtually, please use the following link: https://broadviewunited.org/special-events-3

Persons

Evelyn Cresswell

Who am I? The question is rhetorical,

It beggars an answer,

it has none that I can find,

neither in the you,

nor the I.

We are the in between,

the space, the gap, the synapse,

the leap, the believing, the letting go,

the creating, the making, the bridging

to the happening of you or me.

There really isn't any 'thing',

any 'one', only pathways,

the gift of breath from trees,

empathy caught in the glancing,

thoughts passing,

the twinning of hearts and minds

In the trusting,

and the means to hug,

like arms to hold tight,

the body's connection.

Condolences may be offered to the family at

www.mccallgardens.com