Evelyn was born on April 4, 1934, in Long island, New York, and grew up in eastern Ontario. She met her husband Al Downe while studying Biology at Queen’s University in Kingston. Evelyn and Al were married in 1954 in Foxboro, Ontario, with Evelyn’s father Harold presiding. Soon after, Evelyn and Al began a nomadic existence largely dictated by Al’s university career, living in Ottawa, Kansas, Regina and Kingston, Ontario. Many sabbatical years were spent in England.
When she was home in Kingston, Evelyn taught Psychology and Health Sciences at St. Lawrence College. A succession of cats and dogs travelled with Ev and Al to every port of call. (OBITUARY)