April 21, 1938 - June 27, 2023
On June 27, 2023, Eva Anna Byres (nee Zanier) died at Overlander Residential Home, Kamloops, BC, shortly after her 85th birthday. Eva was born in Trail, BC, on April 21, 1938, to parents Luigi Zanier and Esther (Cristanti) Zanier. Eva was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Douglas Byres, and her brother, Leno Zanier. Eva is survived by her children, Nicole Byres (Kieran Metcalfe) in Vancouver, Brianna Senger (Dale) in Kamloops, and Ron Byres in Victoria. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas LeRose (Vanessa) in Vancouver, Alex LeRose (Luke Raymond) in London, UK, Max Byres in Coquitlam, Cohen Senger in Victoria, and Sophia Byres (Erick Cala) in Coquitlam; great-granddaughter Mirabelle LeRose, brother Vinio Zanier (Betty) in Aspen, Colorado; and sister-in-law Grace Zanier in Kamloops.
Eva was a good student, getting straight A's in high school despite often skipping school with her best friend Sylvia (Samartino) Gallagher. Eva met her future husband, Doug Byres, when they were both serving as council members at J.L. Crowe High School. Following graduation, Eva attended hairdressing college in Vancouver before marrying Doug in 1957. Doug's teaching career took the family to Prince George, Dawson Creek, and Kamloops, and Eva's initial focus was on her raising their three children and doing volunteer work. She later obtained her real estate license and worked as a realtor for over 20 years in Dawson Creek and Kamloops.
Eva was known to be an excellent cook and baker, and she enjoyed having family and friends over for dinner. Eva's adventures included travels to China, Thailand, and Europe, several driving holidays in the USA and Mexico, and cruises. After retirement, Eva and Doug liked to escape the Kamloops winters by vacationing in warmer climes, including Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. After the passing of Doug in 2016, Eva was able to live in her home until shortly before her death thanks to the help and support of her care aide Lee Bissat, as well as from her daughter Brianna and son-in-law, Dale.
Eva's ashes will be interred next to Doug's at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops. In memory of Eva, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of BC.