Dr. Evelyn Williamson 1925-2018 EDYTHE EVELYN WILLIAMSON, M.D., C.M. Matriarch. Physician. Community Leader. Inspiration. Fireball. Friend. Born May 26, 1925 in Wiarton, Ontario. Died peacefully with her family by her side, May 16, 2018 in her 93rd year. Evelyn was the second youngest of seven children born to Charlotte Ann and David Porter. She attended Queen’s University, graduating from Medicine in 1950. While at Queen’s, she met the love of her life, Harold (Knute) Williamson. Evelyn and Harold were married in 1949. After graduating, the two spent several years working in a variety of communities, Ev in psychiatry and Hal in orthopedic surgery, before settling in Belleville in 1956. Although she was one of only four women in her class and among the first dozen women to graduate from Queen’s Medicine, Evelyn considered herself more of an advocate for change than a pioneer. She loved her work and dedicated 52 plus years to the Department of Psychiatry and the Mental Health Clinic at Belleville General Hospital (BGH). She was blessed with genuine optimism, an incredible sense of humour, and an abundance of common sense that she used in every facet of her life. These qualities combined with her professionalism and sheer tenacity made her a favourite among her colleagues. In 1996, she became BGH’s first female Chief of Staff, and she helped steer the hospital through its Quinte Health Care amalgamation process. During her tenure at BGH, she also held the position of Chief of Psychiatry. In a field dominated by men, she challenged the norm and rose to the top, commanding respect for her accomplishments and loving every second of the demanding work. She continued to practice medicine well after her eligibility for retirement because of her love and commitment to her profession. In fact, the only obstacle she had difficulty mastering was retirement, having to take three tries at it before finally stepping away from medicine at the age of 82. “As long as I am qualified and needed then I want to contribute as much as I can,” she stated. Among numerous awards and accolades, Dr. Williamson received Canada’s 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for significant contribution to community and country, and the Quinte Health Care Professional Staff Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Of the many organizations to which she contributed as a Board Member and Advisor, Queen’s University and Loyalist College were dearest to her heart. She was a founding and lifelong member of the Grant Hall Society of Queen’s University, a lifelong member of The Loyalist College Foundation, a past Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors, and a Director of the Friends of Ontario Universities. And incidentally, no one could ever sing a more rousing rendition of the Queen’s Oil Thigh than Ev could at the drop of a tam. Evelyn’s community involvement also included the Board of Trustees for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Belleville, decades of joyful participation in the St. Andrew’s Choir, and the promotion of the Music at the Kirk Series. To honour her late husband Harold’s Airforce Service, she was an on-going member of the 418 Wing RCAF Belleville and each year sponsored and presented an award in his name. Evelyn’s devotion to her profession and her community was matched only by the love she had for her family. In her own words, “My best example of my good judgement was finding, falling in love with and marrying my husband, Knute, and my greatest accomplishments are my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren.” Whenever in their company, especially in public places, she would loudly and proudly proclaim, “This is MY family! Aren’t they wonderful?” She loved to give hugs, and despite her tiny frame, she delivered the biggest and the best ones. Evelyn shared with her family a philosophy that she learned from her own parents: “Whatever your talents, great or small, use them, share them, become involved and contribute, whenever and wherever you can.” Evelyn is predeceased by her husband Harold, her son Brian (Eileen), her daughter Lynn (John) and her siblings Olive, Rhoda, William, Lawrence, and Earl. She is survived and will be profoundly missed by her loving family: her brother Clayton, sons Douglas and David; daughter Karen (Ted); grandchildren Alison, Vicky (Graham), Wendy, Charlotte (Chris), Andrew (Stacey), Riley and Meaghan; and great grandchildren, Mylène, Quinn, Nev, Parker, and Jackson. Cremation arrangements have been made through the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613-968-5588). A Celebration of Life will be held for Evelyn on Sunday, July 29th, 2018 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club, 86 South Front Street, Victoria Park, Belleville. If you have memories or stories to share, and would like to be included in this event, please contact Evelyn’s daughter Karen Williamson at kawilliamson278@gmail.com or 613-243-2184. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.rushnellfamilyservices.com The family extends deepest appreciation to Dr. Lionel Noronha and the entire staff at Stirling Manor for their exemplary care and compassion.