Evelyn Marie O'Donnell passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at home.

Born in New Waterford, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Marjorie MacNamara.

Evelyn enjoyed playing cards and bingo with her friends. She was known to make a great meal out of very few ingredients; namely bologna soup. Evelyn was keen on keeping a clean house and loved nothing more than spending time with her grandkids. She liked to pray and send you on your way with a hug and a blessing. She never had much but what she did have, she shared with others. Evelyn lived a simple life and will be missed by all who knew her. 

Surviving are her first husband, John Janssens; common-law partner, James Winston Jennex; daughter, Francine Janssens; sons, Elvis Janssens, Oscar Janssens, and John Janssens; brothers, Joe (Marion) MacNamara, John MacNamara; grandchildren, Kara, Alyssa, Tyler, Bryson, Dallas, Avery, Nevaeh, Reese, Harley, Brianna, and Myla; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews of whom she was very close, especially her sister Clara's children; good friend, Kathleen; special niece, Marjorie.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her 2nd husband, Pat "Patty" O'Donnell; sisters, Clara, Rita, Jean, Mary, and Joan; daughter, Mary Margaret Janssens; sons, Matthew Nicholson and Marty Nicholson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14, from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Father Jim Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

                                                              God grant me the serenity to accept

                                                                 The things I cannot change,

                                                              Courage to change the things I can,

                                                               And wisdom to know the difference.