Evelyn Bertha Bertagnolli
May 30, 1932 – Aug. 6, 2025

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved Evelyn Bertha Bertagnolli on Aug. 6, 2025, at the age of 93.

Berta Rauch (Epple) and John Rauch welcomed Evelyn into the world on May 30, 1932, in Calgary. She was the eldest of five children, growing up alongside her brothers Warner (predeceased)(Hazel), John (Joan), Otto (Marilyn) and Erwin (Shirley). She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, grandmother and great-grandmother whose warmth and care shaped generations.

Evelyn is now reunited with the love of her life, Waldo, and her dear son Frank, whose wife Leona (Kelly) survives him. She leaves behind her children: Otto (Lynn) and Teresa (John), and her cherished grandchildren: Jordan (Kim), Blaine (Jenna), Craig (Keira), Jalena (Justin), Brett (Kaya), and Haley (Matt). She was the proud and adored “Cookie Gramma” to her great-grandchildren: Porter, Parker, Layne and Noah, known for her renowned gingersnaps. She also leaves behind her dear extended family from both the Bertagnolli and Rauch sides, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Her family tree was one she tended with great care, just as she did her garden at the farm. Whether sharing stories from decades past, correcting a historical tidbit on Facebook, crushing the most difficult sudoku or identifying the exact bird that stopped by her feeders, Evelyn’s mind was as sharp as she was generous. She enjoyed sharing her love through a much-requested batch of her famous stuffing or iconic Halloween popcorn balls, knitting blankets that wrapped loved ones in comfort, and gathering friends and family with games and traditions that will live on for generations.

To Evelyn, home was the farm—where her hands were in the garden, the kettle was always on, the fridge was full, the candy tin never empty, and the freezer was stacked with cinnamon buns, loaves, muffins and squares ready for visitors. But to everyone who knew her, she was home. Wherever she was, she brought warmth, love, laughter and a quiet kind of safety, much like the blankets she lovingly knitted for so many. She was deeply proud of her life and her family and often told us so. We were just as proud — prouder still — to have been loved by her.
Evelyn embraced life with curiosity and courage, from mastering her laptop and iPad to holding steadfast against ever using a cell phone. She was intelligent, witty and fiercely loving, a bright flame in the hearts of many. She lives on in every laugh that escapes unexpectedly, every vibrantly blooming garden and every act of love that asks for nothing in return.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at Dovercourt Hall at 1 p.m. Aug. 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, two charities Evelyn held dear are STARS Air Ambulance or Ronald McDonald House.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.