Eva Pedersen
May 4, 1928 – January 12, 2015
Eva Pedersen, of Saltspring Island, gently passed from this world on Monday, January 12.
Eva was a prairie girl born to Claus and Anna Kock who had recently emigrated from Denmark. She spoke fondly of her childhood on a farm in Star City, Saskatchewan and told stories of riding her old farm horse to school and playing in Sweetwater Creek. In 1946 she found her passion when she began her teaching career at a one-room schoolhouse in Lund armed with a temporary teaching permit. She was just 18 years old and had not yet completed Grade 12. She loved children and teaching, so she attended Normal School in Tuxedo, Manitoba where she made many lifelong friends. She soon obtained a Manitoba teaching certificate, and over the next few years taught at several schools.
On October 9, 1954 Eva married Anton (Tony) Pedersen, a kind and handsome recent immigrant from Denmark. They recently celebrated their anniversary, which marked 60 years of a rich and happy life together. In 1956 they moved west and lived for many years in Tsawwassen, building a home, raising a family, and forming close and lasting friendships with other families in the neighbourhood. For a number of years Eva devoted herself to being a full-time mom with four children. When the kids were old enough she returned to University to specialize in Early Childhood Education. She taught kindergarten at several schools in Ladner and Tsawwassen. In 1981 Tony and Eva “retired” and moved to Saltspring Island. There are adults on Saltspring who remember her from the days when she taught them kindergarten at Beaver Point Hall.
Eva loved people, and children in particular. She was adept at bringing out and fostering creativity in children; her own, her grandchildren and countless other children over the years. Eva loved the outdoors and she and Tony were very active in the hiking club on SSI. The friendships she formed through the hiking club, the church and other community involvements were a great reward. Eva loved music and dancing, laughter, and most of all, time spent with family and her many, many friends.
Eva will be missed by her very loving husband Tony; children Karen, Ellen and Tom (Sayuri); and grandchildren Lisa, Brianna, Kai, Marina, and Fyn. She was predeceased by youngest son Terry (Candice).
Our family would especially like to thank Laurie and Shannon and other amazing Caregivers who provided wonderful home support to Eva during her final years. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Lady Minto Hospital for their kind and gentle treatment of Eva and ourselves during her last week.
A Celebration of Eva’s life will be held at the Ganges United Church at 3:00 on Saturday January 31. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ganges United Church would be appreciated.
When I come to the end of the road,
And the sun has set for me.
I want no tears of gloom-filled room…
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little – but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love we always shared,
Miss me but let me go.