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 Broadview 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 below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Cresswell” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Bev Smalley
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Mrs Coral C Vinsen Dearest Evelyn,she was a unique courageous, spiritual poet and friend.
I miss her presence so much. I will never forget her! Rest peacefully in the arms of your beloved Lord.
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Anna Sylwestrowicz Thinking of all of you and I am sure everyone has fond memories and beautiful moments … love to all
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Julian Jackson Dear Clare, James, Mark, and families,
my deepest condolences for the sad loss of your beloved mother.
I have such fond memories of Evelyn, reaching back to 1982 when I first had the wondrous experience of meeting the remarkable Cresswell family. That was in the charming, rambling Parktown house, in which your parents ran a delightfully friendly, enlightened and appropriately chaotic home. I remember it was filled with the sounds of five busy lives, and dinner parties, French cricket on the tennis court, surplus of vehicles (Lambretta (Evelyn) Honda (Clare, later commandeered by Mark) and Diesel Mercs (a tradition)), and a racetrack round the house. The home Evelyn managed to create with Chris stood for all things interesting and good. The sublety of Evelyn’s poetry impressed me even as a schoolboy, and the poem reproduced here is lovely.
I am glad your families are together at this time, to celebrate her life and all she gave to the world.
My warmest regards to you.
Julian
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M My Gogo was stubborn in what she believed was right and wrong and for that reason, the world is a better place. She was critical and very serious and it made her an excellent writer and poet. She could always find the best deal in the shops, could always find the best second hand bits, had an eye for anything pre-loved. My Gogo enjoyed reading, she enjoyed learning and studying. Her brain was full. Most of all, she was fiercely herself in a way most people don’t know how to be.
Such a wise, interesting woman! Visits with Evelyn were always memorable. I feel fortunate to have known her, at least a little.
Bev