Peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the age of 96. Beloved wife of Kenneth Franklin Anstice for 46 years and the late Michael Angelo Mahn for 11 years. Cherished mother of the late Michael Laurance Mahn, survived by his wife Holly (Brian). Grandmother of Michaela Lyn Mahn of Sault Ste. Marie, Melissa Lee Mahn of Caro, Michigan, Michael Lee Mahn (Sarah) of Cedarville, Michigan, Nikki Kessinger (Rick) of North Carolina, Wendy Playfair of Ancaster, Ontario, Joe Symons of Stoney Creek, Ontario, the late Doug Symonds, Chuck Symons (Debbie) of Burlington, Ontario, Donald Symons (Megan) of Mindemoya, Ontario, Erik Anstice of Goulais River, Bridget Neilson (Eric) of Airdrie, Alberta, and Isabel Anstice of Sault Ste. Marie. Evelyn will be fondly remembered by her 18 great-grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Stepmother of Kenny Anstice Jr. and Carolyn MacDonald (Russ).
Evelyn was born in 1924 in Detroit, Michigan, and is the daughter of the late Charles Buckley and the late Zula Wright. Evelyn returned to Canada in 1960, working both in real estate and as a journalist for the Blind River Standard, the Sudbury Star and the Toronto Star. In 1974, she moved to Sault Ste. Marie, continuing her career in real estate, eventually managing Guaranty Trust Realtor and later owning and operating Anstice Real Estate for eight years. In 1984, she became a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB); a designation recognizing individuals who have achieved the highest level of knowledge in real estate brokerage management and marketing. Twice she was the recipient of the William R. Chitty Memorial Award for her contribution to the industry.
After retirement, Evelyn became an ancestral historian writing and publishing four books on family genealogy: The Anstice Saga, Harris Memoirs, The Balloon Man and It’s Me, Evelyn.
For 36 years, she was an active and leading member of the charity White Shrine of Jerusalem and The Eastern Star - Nokomis Chapter. Her mission was to benefit the less fortunate while honouring her faith in God through charitable work. Evelyn will be remembered most by the community as “The Balloon Lady," where she and her husband entertained children with balloon magic for years. Evelyn was also a member of the Red Hat Sunshine Girls. Evelyn's family and friends will remember her for her generosity, boldness, tenaciousness, and her love of the colour purple.
As per Evelyn’s wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service as she appreciated the quality of time she was able to spend with everyone while living. Any donations in her honour can be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758).
