Evelyn Ruby Baudin

Evelyn Ruby Baudin

1930 -2025

On January 16th, 2025, Mrs. Evelyn Ruby Baudin of Swan River, formerly of Stratford, England

passed away at the age of 94 years.

Survived by her loving children: Michelle Brundage (Kevin) of Birch River, MB, Clive Baudin (Cheryl) of Duncan, BC, Leslie Apland (Brian) of Kenora, ON, Philip Baudin (Helen) of Vancouver, BC, grandchildren Darcy Mullin, Kolton Barteski, Kalyn, Cara, Kenzie Baudin, and Gillian Baudin,

Bailey and Austin McDuff, great-grandson Amiri Mullin and beloved nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by loving husband Rene Baudin, and siblings Winnifred Cromwell (Ernie), Cyril

Shacklady (Eileen), Gladys Wright and parents, Florence and Josiah Shacklady.

Evelyn Ruby Shacklady was born in Stratford, England on July 11th, 1930, to Florence Mary

Kidd and Josiah William Shacklady. Evelyn was the youngest child in the family, her sibling

being upwards of 10 years older than she; her elder sisters Winnifred and Gladys, as well as
brother Cyril (Jack) helped to take care of her. During World War 2, Evelyn moved with her
mother and father to Hainault, England for her safety. There she lived with her nephew Dennis
Cromwell who was only 3 years her junior. They grew up like siblings, and they maintained a
close relationship her whole life. For 9 months during the war, Evelyn was evacuated along with
hundreds of other children to the outskirts of the country. Her evacuation destination was lost,
and she was placed with a family who were unkind to her. When her family finally learned where she was, and they heard of the poor conditions in which Evelyn was housed, her father Josiah took the train to the end of the line, then walked seven miles, scouring the countryside until he found her and brought her home. She lived with her family amidst the bombing, alarms, and frantic nights of escape to nearby bomb shelters for the remainder of the war years. Her family all survived the war, including her brother Cyril, and her sisters’ husbands who had all enlisted.
At the age of 13, Evelyn joined the Junior Red Cross. As long as she could remember, she had
always wanted to be a nurse. At the age of 18, Evelyn applied to the King George Hospital in
Ilford, Essex. She began her nursing career in 1949. Here Evelyn met lifetime friends, Olga
Skillicorn (May), and Audry Abbotts. It was here as well that Evelyn developed a love of drama
and performance art - a much-needed social hobby alongside hectic training and responsibility.
After receiving her State Registered Nurse’s diploma, Evelyn went on to take Midwifery training
at Rochford Maternity Hospital near Southend-on-Sea. Here Evelyn thrived, as she dearly loved
the seaside, and she was a natural with mothers and birthing babies. She delivered over 40
babies on her own, and after passing all of her exams, in 1954, Evelyn earned her degree as a
State Certified Nurse, and State Certified Midwife.
In January of 1955, Evelyn began a new journey, as she boarded a boat destined for Halifax
with a final destination at Sioux Lookout in Ontario where she was hired as a Registered Nurse.
Evelyn attended the United Church in Sioux Lookout, becoming an active member in the
church, the choir, and as a leader for C.G.I.T. In 1960, Evelyn would travel again, this time to the
Swan River Valley Hospital where she was hired as Hospital Matron. Evelyn would continue her
nursing career here for 34 years. Her titles included Hospital Matron, Director of Nursing, and
finally Director of Patient Care Services for the Swan River Valley.
In 1963, Evelyn married Rene Baudin and became a family with his two children Leslie and
Philip whom Evelyn grew to dearly love and cherish. On November 30th, 1965, Evelyn and
Rene welcomed baby Clive Charles to their fold, and on April 6th, 1969, daughter Michelle
Florence was born. Evelyn was an energetic and enthusiastic mother. She was the mother that
took all the neighborhood children to the Kinsmen pool. She loved outdoor activities, and
especially enjoyed summer vacation visits to Leslie and Brian Apland’s home on Lake of the
Woods. Her whole life was dedicated to service. She was a member of the United Church
Board, Secretary of the Church Board, a member of the UCW, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron for 3 years.

Evelyn enjoyed 23 years with her husband Rene until he passed away in June of 1987. Theirs
was a quiet, loving, and respectful relationship that taught her children how to nurture and care
for others.
Evelyn would always say that Drama was her first love. She enjoyed acting on stage in comedy
plays, and she loved her fellow actors in the Swan Valley Stage Players. She would often say
that “Laughter is the best medicine!” Her devotion to this art was to serve the public in bringing
joy. Here she sustained unsurpassed friendships that brought her much happiness.
Evelyn loved her friends dearly, and she was the most loving and supportive mother to her
children and grandchildren - more than any one person could ever hope for. Each grandchild
was her favorite, and as a child at heart, she was the most excellent caregiver and playmate to
them. Evelyn lived out the last few years of her life at the Swan River Valley Personal Care Home until her peaceful passing on January 16th, 2025.
Evelyn preserved her life history by writing her own memoir documenting her life from birth, her wartime memories, and retelling the stories and events that shaped her life. These documents will be a legacy for her family. In her own words, Evelyn wrote the following:
“My whole life has been devoted to serving others - in my nursing career, and in tending
to others’ needs. I have enjoyed this life. My family means so much to me. I hope you all will go
forward. Be strong. Tackle your problems with a silent prayer in a loving way. You must uphold
your Faith in God. He created us, and he will finally take us when our time is ended. To have so
much love and friendship in my life was an honor. If I could live my life again, I would do things
exactly the same. My husband and my two wonderful children and my grandchildren are a joy to my heart. My stepchildren are like my own - they are both wonderful people. I hope I too have brought joy and laughter into people’s hearts.”
Evelyn truly was a light to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered,
always.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to Parkinson Canada 316-4211 Yonge St North York, ON M2P9Z9.