Evelyn Bialek

Evelyn Bialek

September 30, 1961 – November 28, 2020

It is with sadness that the family of Evelyn Muriel Bialek (nee Clark), announce her passing on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Baycrest Centre in Toronto. Evelyn, beloved daughter of Phyllis and George Clark (deceased), and sister of Patricia. Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 37 years, Jim and their children, Christopher and Laura Docimo. Evelyn will also be fondly remembered by her daughter-in-law Jessica Wojkowski and granddaughter Zoe Bialek Wojkowski, and son-in-law Paul Docimo and grandson Clark Docimo.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the funeral will be a private family service that will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at noon, at Ward Funeral Home in Weston. Interment will follow in the family plot at Glendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Liver Foundation are encouraged.

Those who knew Evelyn know that her world was filled with love. Those she loved. Those who loved her. And, of course, the things she loved to do that shaped her into the wonderful person she was.
First and foremost, was love of family. From birth, she was held tight, taught well, and learned to love, and this is something she instilled in all of those around her.

It is impossible to assemble a list of the things she did, the special people she came in contact with, and the memories she made from a small child to a grandmother, but here are a few highlights.

The family cottage, always referred to as her “happy place”, may be the most special destination in her life. She prided herself on water skiing at the tender age of 6, was competent at catching and cleaning fish, swam well and respected the water, and drove all the boats better than anyone. She caught bugs, slept outside, built fires, ate smores, and did all this with the tight knit group of family and friends at the cottage.
Perhaps the best of the cottage took place with the Leper’s, Mayer’s and Flanagan’s, close friends who spent all their summers just a short swim or canoe away. I would be remiss if I didn’t finish the cottage experience without mentioning the Annual Corn Roast in “Fertility Bay”.

Heading north didn’t just revolve around the island, as she experienced everything in the lower Muskoka community. Riding the Segwin, going to the outdoor market, spending time at Gull Lake Park, eating Marty’s butter tarts, enjoying Kawartha Dairy ice cream in Huntsville after shopping at the Christmas store, eating and taking baked goods from Mariposa Market in Orillia, golfing and hunting for golf balls at Torpit Lodge were just a few of the things she enjoyed.

And, she brought all these experiences to her children, and knew that the same opportunities will be there for her grandchildren, and will be guided by Chris and Laura.

She welcomed and became an integral part of all extended family, starting with Jim’s, and developed a special relationship with Jim’s sister Sandy and family. Easter was in Sarnia, no matter what. Thanksgiving came in close behind. But, the trips to Frankenmuth, Michigan with Sandy became much anticipated each and every year.

With daughter in law Jessica and son in law Paul, she worked seamlessly with both families to give the kids the best wedding possible and opened the door to lifelong friendship with their families.
When asked, family members came up with an extensive list of what Ev loved to do and what she contributed to the family and community.

She loved to help all family in any way she could. One of the most memorable accomplishments was the development of wedding family cookbooks for many family members. These cookbooks were individually made, chalk full of recipes and marital advice from those closest to the bride. Plus, any Thanksgiving, Easter, Birthdays and special occasions were supplied with ideas, supplies and her time.

Pets were mentioned by everyone. She had a love of cats, and this was evident in the ones she had at her original home on Stavely Crescent to the three she loved at her home on Barrhead. She turned this love of cats into an incredible love of dogs as well, embracing Laura’s dogs like they were her own. Memories of the dogs at the cottage and their antics will be talked about for years to come.

As a thirty year Girl Guide leader, she helped shape the lives of hundreds of young girls, helping them be creative, giving and confident young women. It was a tribute to her commitment that she continued to be a leader long after her daughter Laura had moved on from the program.

Florida and Myrtle Beach were the prime destinations for family travel. From a very young age, both locations became special places. She was able to share this with her husband Jim and children. In fact, Myrtle Beach was their honeymoon locale, and the last vacation was a pre-Covid trip Florida in March 2020.

Things made by her own hands were shared with almost everyone. Making jams and pickles were commonplace, as the Bialek shelves were, and continue to be stocked. Both Chris and Laura had this special homemade jam made, and distributed as gifts for those who attended their weddings.

Another handmade is her crocheted Afghans. It seems that anyone who had a baby from family or friends had this keepsake presented to the parents. And, anywhere you look at the home or cottage, full Afghans are draped on couches, chairs and beds. One thing for sure, her work would keep you warm.

Being educated as an accountant, the Bialek “books” were always in order. She was always able to balance the books to provide the best in Christmas gifts, holidays and needs of the family. To this day, Jim had never had to do his taxes and always came out ahead with a refund.

Her early taste in rock music was actually laughed about as a boost to her early relationship with Jim. On their first date, he spotted she had a copy of Southside Johnny, a band Jim followed closely, and boom, it was love. In fact, while in Florida, this was the last concert they ever attended, seeing that same band in Clearwater. She moved into a love of country music, much to the delight of her daughter Laura, but shared the radio with classic rock and country while traveling.

The last point is all about her strength. She had so many documented battles with health issues, but always smiled and fought through. There was no one that could walk in her shoes, and definitely no one who could do so with such a positive attitude. Simply, she was a warrior.

She left such a positive and loving mark on everyone who knew her and will be missed dearly.
We all love her!