Eva May Marquardsen

Eva was born and raised west of Nanton, AB. Eva was the eldest of 4 children, she is survived by her children; George, Christine and Krista; three granddaughters Kayla (Johnny), Katrina (James) and Roxanne (Brandon) and five great grandchildren; Kayden, Ashton, Cohen, Meliah and Vaughn. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

After she finished school she went to work cooking on ranches in the southwestern foothills of Alberta. She was an avid horse woman and rode almost daily for many years. Her love for horses never waned. In her early 20’s she met her first true love Val Blake. Together they had many years and adventures together including raising horses building their own log cabin and following rodeos in summers whenever possible. After Val’s passing she left the ranch life and eventually met Paul Marquardsen. Paul and Eva had 2 children; George and Christine. 

They settled in Ponoka, AB shortly before Paul's passing in 1968. She stayed in Ponoka opening her home to numerous foster children one of whom was Krista Brown, she became her 3rd child. After her girls grew up and left home, George and her moved to Wetaskiwin for 20+ years. In 2011 they moved to Canmore to be near Christine. She absolutely loved the mountains and her new community. Eva lived in her own home until she was 99 with her son George. Declining health and broken bones caused her to spend her last years in a care home. She eventually ended up at St. Martha’s Place in Banff where she could still see her beloved mountains and the occasional deer, elk or squirrel that would peek in her window to say hello until the good lord called her home. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed along with her infectious smile. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St Martha’s for the gentle care and love they gave our mother the past 2 years. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Martha’s Place, Banff AB. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.