Mrs. Evelyn Gardiner

Evelyn Josephine Gardiner (Knorr)
Surrounded by loved ones, Evelyn Josephine Gardiner (Knorr) passed away on May 28, 2026, in the palliative care unit at the Battlefords Union Hospital after a challenging journey with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Evelyn was born on September 7, 1941, in Kerrobert to Leo and Josephine Knorr.
She was raised in Bodo, Alta. and was one of fifteen children. Although there were many hardships growing up in such a large family, Evelyn often spoke fondly of the fun she had playing ball, swimming in sloughs, and spending time in nature with her siblings. One of her favorite childhood memories was the recognition she received from a teacher, Mr. Heck, who frequently displayed her drawings and artwork on the classroom chalkboard in recognition of her artistic talent.
After completing grade school, Evelyn moved to Edmonton, where she worked as a nanny and saved enough money to pursue training as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Following her nursing graduation, she began her nursing career at the TB Sanatorium. She later worked at the Misericordia Hospital in pediatrics and subsequently at a maternity home for young mothers.
While employed at the North Battleford Hospital and attending a softball tournament in Paynton, Evelyn met the love of her life, Fred Gardiner, who was also a softball player. They married on November 13, 1965. Together they raised three wonderful children—Shannon, Shaun, and Sheldon—while building the family business, Gardiner Electric. Evelyn and Fred raised their family with strong values of volunteerism, community involvement, and participation in local sports.
Evelyn successfully balanced parenthood with a dedicated nursing career. She continued working at the Battlefords Union Hospital and a local doctor’s office while devoting her time to being a mother, softball coach, bookkeeper for the family business, and volunteer with the Battleford Community Youth Club. Evelyn also dedicated time to her nursing career by completing numerous courses and advancing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Throughout her career, she built many meaningful friendships in nursing and consistently provided compassionate patient care. She practiced with a strong commitment to safety and was a respected advocate for her profession. She retired from the nursing profession while being employed at River Heights Lodge.
Evelyn also continued her involvement in women’s fastball, competing in tournaments across Western Canada, including the Western Canadian Softball Championships in Whitehorse.
Evelyn was deeply creative, possessing a remarkable ability to imagine and bring beauty to life in everything she touched. Her work reflected both meticulous attention to detail and a natural artistic vision. She explored many forms of expression, including painting, pottery, floral arranging, and stained-glass art. Her creativity extended beyond traditional art into landscaping, where her yard became a living masterpiece. She had a deep appreciation for flowers, and her gardens were thoughtfully designed, vibrant, and a true reflection of her artistic spirit. Evelyn was an active member of the North Battleford Art Club for more than 25 years and often spoke fondly of the friendships, creativity, and enjoyment she found through her involvement.
Evelyn and Fred enjoyed many wonderful years of travel during retirement, visiting destinations such as Victoria, Australia, and Germany, and spending many winters at their home in Mesa. It was in Mesa that Evelyn discovered her love of pickleball. Much like her days playing fastball, she brought a strong competitive spirit to the game. Upon returning to the Battlefords each year, she shared her enthusiasm by helping establish a pickleball league at the Field House in North Battleford.

Beyond all else, Evelyn’s greatest love was her family. Nothing brought her more joy, and she made that love known in countless ways throughout her life. She delighted in family gatherings, shared games, and meaningful, reflective conversations. Evelyn loved deeply and fiercely, and she had a strong faith. Her humor and beautiful laugh we will always remember.

She found happiness in watching hockey and ball, especially when it meant cheering on her children or grandchildren from the stands. She loved teaching them art, sharing her creativity and patience with each generation.

Evelyn also took great joy in preparing her home for family visits because she was so excited to have everyone together again. She brought enthusiasm and love to everything she did.

Evelyn is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her husband, Fred Gardiner; daughter Shannon Iverson (Randy), and their children Ryley and Alyssa, and Alyssa’s children Evelyn and Ava;  son Shaun Gardiner (Karla), and their sons Reid (Noel) and Erik (Chloë), and son Sheldon Gardiner (Shauna), and their daughters Brooke and Ashlyn.
She is also survived by five of her fourteen siblings, Tony (Alex), Leonard (Colleen), Joe (Colleen), Rose, and Helen, extended family, as well as many dear friends whose lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, creativity, and community spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Saskatchewan Lung Association through www.lungsask.ca.
Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, with Funeral Director Trevor Watts.

Evelyn’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at the Battlefords Union Hospital – 3W, 2W, and palliative care, for their exemplary care. There were so many wonderful nurses. A special thank you to Dr Campbell and Dr Dunhin for their exceptional and compassionate care. Their kindness, dedication, and generosity of time and expert knowledge brought comfort to our entire family during a difficult journey. Also, thank you to the many family members, friends, and our local community for the love and support you have shown to our family during such a sad time. We love you and thank you.