We Remember
AVIS, Evelyn June “Eve”
August 26, 1961 — March 16, 2025
Eve Avis (née Poppe) slipped quietly from this world on March 16, 2025, as gently as the breeze that rustles through her beloved flower garden. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on August 26, 1961, she left this earth at the Kelowna Hospice House, embraced by those who held her dearest. She was 62 – though numbers hardly capture a life so rich and full.
Eve lived like water – soft but steady, shaping the lives of those around her with grace and warmth. An easygoing spirit who danced barefoot in the kitchen, music spinning through the air like dandelion seeds on the wind. She married her heart’s companion, Mark Walraven, on August 4, 2018, though their story had roots that stretched back to grade three when their mothers (who were best friends) planted the seeds of friendship between them. After 13 years together, Mark stood by her side as she took her last journey.
She was the proud and fiercely loving mother of Curtis, Tyler, and Dyllan, her laughter echoing in their memories, her wisdom tucked into their hearts. Her grandchildren – Gwen, Bodhi, Paisley, and Camryn – were her sunflowers, always turning toward her light.
Eve’s love of nature pulled her toward the water, where she found tranquility in the quiet glide of a kayak, the patient tug of a fishing line, and the riot of colours bursting from her flower garden. Coffee in hand, she welcomed the dawn like an old friend.
Professionally, Eve was the steady heartbeat of Okanagan College, serving as assistant to the Dean with a quiet competence that left ripples long after her passing. When the news of her death reached the college, the flag flew at half-mast – an acknowledgment of a life that touched so many.
There will be no formal service – Eve wouldn’t have wanted that. Instead, those who loved her will honour her in their own way, in the small, quiet moments that recall her presence: a song hummed while stirring soup, bare feet twirling on a kitchen floor, a quiet moment by the water where the world holds its breath.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Eve… a friend and colleague at OC. I hope that the family can take comfort in the wonderful memories of her.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day…
unseen, unheard, but always near,
still loved, still missed and very dear.
I’m so sorry to hear the news of Eve’s passing. I worked with her at Okanagan College and found her a lovely presence on campus. She was so helpful in answering questions and loved to shoot the breeze. When my children were small, she always had a cookie or treat for them when they were on campus with me. She was a highly knowledgeable and very kind co-worker. She was missed already since her retirement, but this is such sad news. Sincere condolences to her loved ones.
I am so sad to hear of Eve’s passing. Eve and I were friends and colleagues when we worked closely together for many years at Okanagan College. She always lived life to the fullest. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family.
I’m very sad to receive the note of Eve’s passing. Eve was an amazing colleague and resource. Her knowledge, energy, kindness, support and sense of humour helped me and many for all the years we worked together. Sincere condolences to your family.
I am saddened to hear of Eve’s passing and grateful that I had the privilege of working with her. She was so warm, welcoming, and fun to be around. Eve was one of the first people I met when I joined Okanagan College and she made me feel at home in the workplace. I will remember her and smile. My deepest condolences to Eve’s loved ones.
Eve. Thank you. You helped me navigate life as a new college instructor. You had a special balance of support and guidance. Every time I needed direction or assistance you were there. You gave me comfort knowing that I had your support. I truly enjoyed your smile when I walked into the the office. It was always a highlight of my visit. Thank you for being Eve. You will be missed.
So sad to hear about Eve’s passing. We shared a love of small dogs and I would always bring my pup Lola to the office to get pets from Eve when we were walking by and Eve gifted us many hand-me-down dog sweaters and jackets. Eve was a no nonsense colleague with a heart of gold! I will remember her fondly.
I’m so sorry to hear about Eve’s passing. Although she was on a different campus than me, she guided me through so many of my work challenges with remarkable patience and grace. Always cheerful and unruffled, she answered my questions, no matter how trivial, with kindness. I’m sorry she was taken so soon.
I was saddened to hear the new of Eve.
She was the rock in the dean’s office
Sending condolences to her family
What sad. sad news. I enjoyed all the laughs and rants we shared and am forever grateful for all of my paperwork errors that she corrected over the years. From my first day as a faculty member at Vernon campus to my absolute refusal to admit that she was retiring, she ‘got me’. I feel like so many others could write the same (with maybe fewer paperwork mistakes.) My deep condolences to her family for whom this loss must be so profound. I will think of her when I work in my garden.
It’s heart-breaking news. Eve was always so kind and generous with me at Okanagan College. We often shared stories about our children and lives and I would always walk away with a smile. I couldn’t have had better support in the Dean’s Office over 17 years of working together. Eve will always remain in my heart.
My condolences to the family of Eve Avis! Eve was an amazing colleague at OC and I loved working with her. We would participate in the College golf tourney where she would dub me “The Rocket”. 🙂 She was an amazing person and gave her heart and soul to the institution and her friendships. She will be sadly missed.
I worked in Penticton at Okanagan College, and spoke to Eve on the phone or through email for many years until I finally met her in person. I asked her at one point about her education because I felt she could provide answers in just the best way; she always sounded like it was her pleasure to do so. I don’t think she learned that as part of her training, it was just the way she was. She was extraordinary: smart and kind and much more. It must have been so nice to be part of her family. I’m sorry for your great loss.
It really meant a lot to me to work with Eve over the years. She was kind, supportive, and professional over the 16 years I worked at the college. I can still see Eve’s smile and hear her voice. My thoughts are with her family.
Eve was one of those rare people who made everyone else’s life both easier and happier. It is unusual to look forward to calling someone about administrative questions or procedures, but Eve made even the most mundane tasks things to look forward to. I so appreciated her expertise, generosity, patience, wisdom, and profound kindness. My deepest condolences to Eve’s family.
I remember Eve’s patience as I often asked for help with small work tasks. She always replied with kind direction and warm greetings. She seemed like a pillar of the Dean’s office, the person we could count on. I often still think that I should ask Eve…. So she still figures in how I imagine the Kelowna office. I’ve missed her smile and genuine style ever since she retired. I hope that those years since were filled with family, although maybe we were another kind of work family. My condolences to her sons. May you rest in peace Eve.