Obituary of Evelyn Rhoda Knight

The family of Evelyn Rhoda Knight (nee Smith) sadly share the news of her passing on July 17th at Valleyview Home, St. Thomas, Ontario at the age of 97.  Predeceased by her husband, Dr. Ray Knight in April 2020.  Proud and loving mother of Nancy and Gil Smith, Scott Knight and Carol Gibson, Todd and Ingrid Knight, and Corey and Donna Knight.  Grandma Evie to Callie and Andrew Murray, Lauren and Kyle Karn, Dr. Tristan Knight (Dr. Lindsay Carvalho), Andrew Knight, Dr. Samantha Knight, Tayler Knight (Colton Koniuch), Lucas Knight (Sophie Janauskas), Jeff and Sheri Smith and Julie Smith and great grandchildren Kay, Tess, and Brant, Jack and Kip, Walker, Lexi, Lily and Jaxon.  After graduating from high school, Mom worked in business for several years, living at home and saving with the goal of attending Alma College.  Mom loved going to Alma College, she especially flourished in art classes, learning how to draw and paint.  Asked “what did you get from Alma”, Mom replied “self improvement, I made an investment in myself”.  Three years at Alma gave Mom a wonderful background and confidence in herself.  Many years later, Mom returned to Alma as an art teacher.  She cultivated many long term friendships from her time as a student and as a teacher and often included homesick, Alma students in our family times.  Luck Island on Georgian Bay, was the summer home for over fifty years and a source of joy for Mom and Dad, who were always happy to share the beauty of the Bay with family and friends.  Mom was a good neighbour and at both home and the cottage neighbours became long time friends, sharing many good times.  Mom’s enthusiasm for the north rubbed off on many within the family and beyond, spawning many happy memories and new cottagers.  Mom’s love of painting took her out on Georgian Bay, around Elgin County and on international trips where striking scenes were captured on location in sparkling watercolours.  Mom was inspired by nature and could be found drawing and painting from a boat, along a shore, or on a country road capturing the beauty of a scene.  Travels with Dad through Europe, Africa, China, Japan, the Canadian west, the Caribbean and Mexico gave her many opportunities to paint.  A longtime member of the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre, Mom taught drawing and painting to many aspiring artists.  Locally, Mom was involved in the Women’s Committee, the Horticultural society, the London Garden Club, and was a long time member of the Alma College Alumnae.  Predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Pearl Smith and three siblings Kay Brown, Madelaine Grant, and Vincent Smith.  Survived by her brother Gordon Smith (Carol).  Mom did what she loved in life and while her hands have been stilled, the results of her work and creative passion live on.  Mom leaves a legacy of caring for her family and friends, home and cottage, creating and nurturing gardens and capturing the beauty of the world around her.  We express our heartfelt thanks to the staff on the Wabash Unit at Valleyview for the care, compassion and kindness that Mom received.  We are truly touched.  Cremation has taken placed.  Private interment of ashes in Union United Church cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570).  Flowers, gratefully declined. Remembrances to the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Center, or the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation.  Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca