March 10, 1963 - April 24, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our sweet and beautiful Eva. After being diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive disease, Eva passed away peacefully and without pain on April 24th at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary.
During those last few days, Eva was constantly held, and heard the loving, soothing voices of her closest family. She was never alone. Eva will be forever missed and deeply loved.
Born and raised in Trail, B.C., Eva was the only child of Arlene and Lucien Campeau.
After graduating from J. Lloyd Crowe Secondary School, Eva spent most of her adult life in Alberta. After spending time in both Calgary and Edmonton, she settled in Red Deer in the early 1990's.
While working for the City of Red Deer, she met the love of her life, David Matthews. Eva and David were married in 1996 and welcomed daughter Mackenzie into the world on July 7th, 2001. August 30th of this year would have marked their 25th wedding anniversary.
Growing up in Montrose, Eva spent her youth as a lifeguard at the Montrose swimming pool. She was an accomplished swimmer and liked to show off by swimming across Christina Lake while her Dad and David followed her in the boat.
When she wasn't at a nearby lake or pool, she could be found skiing at Red Mountain in Rossland.
Eva's passion was evident in everything she did and she went on to be exceptional in many fields of interest. She was one of a very few Train-the-Trainers for the Alberta Chapter of Red Cross, as well as an Aquatic Programmer and Head LifeGuard for The City of Red Deer.
Returning to work life when Mackenzie started school, Eva became an Educational Assistant, beginning her new career at Mackenzie's elementary school. Eva loved being able to stay close to Mackenzie during her elementary school years. Eva went on to a position at St. Patrick's Community School working with children with special needs.
As with all things she was committed to, she was extraordinary as both a student and educator. Eva went back to Red Deer College and graduated with her Pharmacy Technician diploma in 1999. After working as a Pharmacy Technician in a number of retail pharmacies, as well as at the Red Deer Hospital, Eva then taught the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program for The Academy of Learning.
Eva finished up her working career as the Lab Technician at Mackenzie's High School, retiring in 2017.
Eva received numerous awards, both in her work and volunteer life. These included The Governor General's Award for Exceptional Service, The Royal Life Saving Society CommonWealth Council's Distinction Award and Certificate of Thanks, many Awards from Red Cross, and the Excellence in Catholic Education Award for Outstanding Support Staff in 2013, just to name a few.
Throughout her life, Eva volunteered for many special causes. The one she cherished the most was her involvement with the Red Deer Royals Marching Show Band. From the time Mackenzie joined at the age of 12 until she went to university at UVIC, Eva loved being a part of the Royal's community.
For all of Eva's career accomplishments, her greatest joy came with being the very best Mom to Josh and Mackenzie. Every holiday, birthday, school event, teacher appreciation day, and volunteer request was an opportunity for Eva to celebrate others and make their day extra special.
Her handmade treats, decorations, costumes, cookies, all brought Eva happiness and she loved sharing that happiness with others.
Eva loved to cook for her family and friends. Her baking and her meals were outstanding. Eva carried on the tradition of her Mother and Grandmother by learning and excelling at cooking traditional Doukhobor Russian food. Her Borscht and Petahe were family favourites.
Eva was predeceased by her Mother, Arlene Campeau (Brewer) in 2013, her Father, Lucien Campeau, in 2014, and her Father-In-Law, Terry Matthews, in 2015.
Eva is survived by her Husband, David, and their children, Josh and Mackenzie, and her special furry friend, Marley.
She is lovingly remembered by David's family, Mother-In-Law, Melva Matthews, Sister-In-Law, Donna Baltimore (Kelly), their children and families; Lindsey LeBlanc (Che), Matthew Baltimore (Isabelle), and Amy George (Jared).
Arlene's family; Joyce Gladdish (Morgan) their children and families; Virginia Blanchard, Correna Slavin (Joe), Derrick Gladdish (Barb). Beatrice Shumey, Emil
Shumey (Linda), their children and families Sonia Shumey (Mike) and Annette Shumey.
Lucien's family; Claudette Trevison (Dave) their children and families; Lance Trevison (Cheryl) and Brenda Paul. Cora Angerilli (Carmin) their children and families; Jay Angerilli (Brenda). Dennis Campeau ( ?? ). Carmine Harl (Paul) their children and families; Danne Houle (Kirby), Cheryl Klassen (Gerald).
Eva will also be forever missed by her numerous grand nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
We would like to thank the Neurology Doctors and Nursing staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital as well as the ICU and Neurology Doctors and Nursing staff at Calgary Foothills Hospital. Their care, compassion and attention to Eva was greatly appreciated.
Our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, and dear friend will be celebrated at a live stream service at Saint Mary's Church in Red Deer on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 1 pm.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.eventidefuneralchapels.com
Eventide Funeral Chapel