Margret “Evelyn” Dewar

Evelyn (Margaret) Dewar died peacefully on May 25, 2026, at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie.  Born in Toronto on February 20, 1938, Evelyn was the daughter of Dr. William F. Dewar and Margaret Shaver (née West).

Evelyn was the mother of Douglas Shirriff (Karen) and Elizabeth “Libby” Shirriff, and a proud grandmother to Danielle and Katherine.  She is survived by her sisters, Nancy Birtch (Ralph) and Penelope Booth (Geof), as well as her niece, Karen Gold, and nephew, Stephen Longstaffe.

During her teenage years, Evelyn attended Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute and was an avid figure skater at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club.  She treasured summers spent at Camp Onawa and worked as a waitress at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs.

In 1961, Evelyn graduated from Victoria College University of Toronto with a degree in secondary school education.  While living at Margaret Addison Hall, she formed treasured friendships with Joyce Dobbie and Judy Pollock.  Evelyn devoted many years to teaching with the Etobicoke Secondary School Board, retiring in 1996.

Retirement opened the door to one of Evelyn’s great adventures: teaching English in Nowy Sącz, Poland where she formed enduring friendships.  Evelyn also enjoyed extensive travels including to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. In 2007, she moved from Toronto to Barrie, where she enjoyed making new friends and appreciated her wonderful neighbours who shared her love of gardening.

Evelyn had a lifelong love of animals, and many beloved pets including her cherished cat, Tink whom she will be reunited with.

Evelyn was a dedicated supporter of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Special thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre for their exceptional care.

In memory of Evelyn, donations may be made to the Toronto Humane Society.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca