In Loving Memory of Evelyn Susan Connell (Borchardt), 67, a beloved partner, mother, oma, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2024, at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, surrounded by her family. Born on January 19, 1957, in Kitchener, Evelyn’s life was a testament to her love, laughter and devotion to friends and family. Evelyn was diagnosed in June 2024 with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. When inadvertently discovered, the cancer had already metastasized to tumours in the brain and liver. She fought very hard against the odds through multiple treatments but eventually lost her fight to complications from the cancer. She did however get her final wish—to spend a very beautiful final Christmas with her family. A kind-hearted soul with an adventurous spirit, Evelyn touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her generosity knew no bounds, whether it was lending a listening ear or offering support during difficult times. She had an innate ability to make those around her feel valued and loved. Evelyn spent most of her career at NCR and BlackBerry where she made many life-long friendships. After working the corporate life, she started her own business in aromatherapy—using her love for natural healing, to help others. She shared these wonderfully crafted products at artisan shows and stores throughout Southern Ontario. She spent her early retirement years helping her daughter and daughter-in-law at their store in Fergus, followed by babysitting and becoming a wonderful caring Oma for her first grandchild. She could also be found on weekends at the family farm in Elora selling sunflowers with her sleeves rolled up and ready to help. Evelyn was always a talented and artistic person—making, sewing, or painting—she was creative in so many ways and was always trying something new. She had a green thumb and enjoyed creating mini adventures in her seemingly higgledy-piggledy garden. She loved music and dancing—simply turn on a tune and she couldn’t help herself! Evelyn will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit remains alive in our hearts as we carry forward the kindness she embodied throughout her life. She is survived by her loving partner Michael Radford, her children Melinda (Connell) Croft (Tim) and Mathew Connell (Tammy), grandchildren Mila and Maverick Connell, sister-in-law Anne Borchardt, brother Harold Borchardt (Rhonda), nephew John-Paul Borchardt (Natasha) and extended family Brian and Lauri Connell. Predeceased by her parents John and Margo Borchardt and older brother, Claus Borchardt. In honour of her memory—and recognizing the profound impact blood donations can have—Evelyn’s family encourages others to consider donating blood on her birthday each year—a beautiful way to celebrate the life of someone who gave so freely. Meaningful places to donate: We wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at Wellington Hospice in Guelph for ensuring that Evelyn’s final days were filled with peace and dignity. Evelyn also wanted to acknowledge the oncology teams at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and the amazing teams at Groves Memorial Hospital that initially diagnosed and then managed her side effects from cancer. Please contact the funeral home for assistance with donations 519-749-8467. Special thanks to the Walser Family (Salem) for their friendship and support to our entire family, and to the Henry Walser Funeral Home (Kitchener) for helping guide us through this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held in late spring, early summer—to honour her favourite time of the year—when life starts to bloom again. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Evelyn’s memorial.
